The Melastomaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes about 5000 different species. This large family of plants is native to both tropical and subtropical regions around the world and is known for its colorful and showy flowers. Synonyms for Melastomaceae include Melastomeae, Melastomataceae, and Melastomaticae. Other common names for this family of plants include the Melastome family and the Miconia family. Some of the most well-known plants in this family include the Miconia species, which is sometimes referred to as the "purple plague" due to its invasive nature and ability to quickly overtake native ecosystems.