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General Impact Melastoma candidum can spread rapidly and smother to death vegetation that stand in its way (Degener 1973 in Starr et al.). Both M. candidum and the related similar species M. sanguineum form dense monotypic thickets up to 2m tall (Starr et al. 2003).          Location Specific Impacts: Kaua`i Is. (United States (USA))   Competition: Melastoma candidum has already replaced nearly all other vegetation in Kilohana Crater and is rapidly spreading from that locality into neighboring regions (Degener 1973 in Starr et al.2003). Ecosystem change: Melastoma candidum is completely monotypical in the lowland area of Kilohana Crater and the infestations are almost as tall as a person in the middle of the thicket (Degener 1973 in Starr et al.).