Melastomataceae de Jussieu 1789
The Melastomataceae is a family about 200 genera and 4000 species of of dicotyledenous flowering herbs, shrubs and trees. Some species grow as epiphytes. Leaves are alternate and prominently veined in a palmate fashion, diverging from the leaf base and converging at its tip. Flowers are white or pink and may be single or clustered in a large cyme or panicle. The bisexual flowers have 4 - 5 sepals, that may be fused into a calyptra, and 4 - 5 petals. Stamens may be claw-like. Fruits are capsules or berries.
Cultivation of these tropical plants requires warmth. Several species of Melastomataceae have become invasive when naturalised outside their natural range e.g. Koster's curse Clidemia hirta.
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Families of Succulent Plants 
