It also occurs as an invasive weed in Hawaii. Relatively little is known about the biology and control of downy rose myrtle. The fast-growing plant spreads by seed drop and research shows that it does not spread vegetatively. It is also spread by birds and mammals, which consume its many blueberry-like fruits. The plant can withstand slight freezes and low salinity.
Some humans reportedly harvest the fruit to make jam.
It can grow into large monocultures. Its leaves are opposite, simple, entire, elliptic-oval, to 3 in. The leaves are glossy green above and densely soft-hairy below, with 3 main veins from blade base. Downy rose myrtle flowers profusely in the spring. The flowers are rose-pink, to 1 in.