Chaetogastra grossa, synonym Tibouchina grossa, is a species in the Melastomataceae family that is native to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. It is found between 2400 and 3800 meters in elevation.[1] Also called "red princess flower" or "carmine princess flower" to differentiate it from "princess flower" which has purple blooms.[2] [3]
The plant is a small tree or shrub growing between 6 ft - 16 ft tall. The leaves are dark green and fuzzy with pronounced parallel veining. It blooms year-round and the bright to dark red flowers are about 3 in. It prefers cooler climates, but is not frost tolerant, and full to partial-sun. It is uncommon in cultivation.
The petiole is 5 to 10 mm in length; Leaf blade, thick, elliptical or ovate-elliptical, 5 to 6 cm long by 1 to 3 cm wide; acute at apex, obtuse or rounded at base. Inflorescences paucifloras terminal in branches and twigs. Brown fruit, in capsule, with several tiny seeds.