Melastoma  Melastoma is a genus in the family Melastomataceae. It has about 50-70 species distributed around Southeast Asia, India, north to Japan, south to Australia and the Pacific Islands. It is undergoing taxonomic revision and the number of species will probably be reduced according to Wagner et al. 1999. Many species have been planted around the world for the aesthetic value of their bright purple flowers. Species in this genus are native to temperate and tropical Asia, Seychelles, Pacific and Australasia. Several have the capacity to become invasive species, in Hawaii and other areas. "Plants of the World Online" lists: