The genus is centered in Southeast Asia, where the largest number of species occur. In the North Melastoma ranges from the margin of the Himalayas over Southeast Asia to Northern Australia and Melanesia. Distribution map made with Online Map Creation . Genus description Erect or procumbent shrubs or small trees up to 6 m high. Inflorescences terminal or in distal leaf axils, cymose, rarely flowers solitary or in panicles.
Petals obovate, ciliate at least along the apical margin.
Ovary adnate to the hypanthium by 10 septs for about half its length, 5-locular and apically bristly. Fruit a campanulate dry capsule, opening apically, or a fleshy capsule, splitting irregularly transversally or longitudinally, or an indehiscent berry. Other uses of Melastoma include wood for burning or fruits for dyeing. Identification key 1a. 9. 2 a. Hypanthium with stellate emergences 3.