Tibouchina pulchra (Chamisso, 1834) |
Synonyms: Lasiandra pulchra |
Tibouchina pulchra is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil (Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina). In lowlands, submontane and montane forest, up to at least 1,700 m; used in afforestation. Small tree, 2-12 m in height. Leaves elliptical, with 5 veins; 4-10 cm long. Solitary flowers (up to 10 cm in diameter) with 5 petals; petals initially white, later pink. T. pulchra blooms from August to March. Fruit is a small capsule.