Pleroma heteromallum is belonging to Melastomataceae (Melastomes) Family. It is an evergreen shrub, endemic to Brazil, where it occurs in rocky areas in small, scattered populations in the southern area in the state of Minas Gerais. Heteromalla comes from ‘heteros’ meaning another and ‘mallos’ meaning wool to emphasis difference from the previously descripted another similar plant – which has not hair on leaves. The name Pleroma was derived from Ancient Greek ‘pleroma’ meaning fullness in reference to the way the seeds filled the fruit capsule. Tibouchina comes from Guianan indigenous name. The plant is also sold under names of Tibouchina grandiflora or Tibouchina grandifolia.

Silver Leafed Princess Flower reaches up to 300 cm height in its native habitat. Commonly seen as 100–200 cm tall multi trunked shrub. The branching stem is woody, the large, silvery green leaves with prominent veins are 10–15 cm long, simple, ovate, velvety in texture, and oppositely arranged. Colour of the leaves will often turn orange colour just prior to dropping off. The inflorescence is a panicle of several 4 cm wide, violet flowers with five petals. Plant flowers from midsummer to autumn.

Pleroma heteromallum prefer full light with shade from hot sun. Can be grown outdoors in moist, fertile, acidic or basic well drained soil in frost-free area. It is hardy to -1 ºC but may recover after -4 ºC cold. Does not need much watering at winter. Propagation is done by seed or softwood cuttings in late spring and semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Tip pruning for shape should be done in winter to early spring to not interfere with later summer flowering.

Use in Landscape: Silver Leafed Princess Flower is cultivated as an ornamental for its showy foliage and violet flowers. It is sensitive to cold but can tolerate a light frost. Plant can be used for an accent shrub to the entry, to make a mid-size hedge, as an understory shrub for palms and trees. It is a good choice for wall side borders, also it makes a nice container plant.