Tibouchina heteromalla reaches an average height of 4β6 feet (1.2β1.8 m), with a maximum of about 8β10 feet (2.4β3.0 m) in its native habitat. The branching stem is woody and the large, silvery green leaves are simple, ovate, velvety in texture, and oppositely arranged. The inflorescence is a panicle of several purple flowers with five petals. The plant has 4β6 inches (10β15 cm) long leaves, with prominent veins that are puffed up in the middle and old leaves will often turn a beautiful orange color just prior to dropping off.