Since 2001, papers based on molecular cladistic analyses have been published. As a result of these investigations, certain aspects of the classifications in the table below have been supported, while others have been refuted. The cladogram illustrates hypotheses of relationships between the major groups of melastomes and their distributions (New World or Old World). A multi-gene phylogenetic analysis comprising over 140 genera and ca. 1200 species by Penneys et al. (in prep.) will provide the foundation for a new classification of the family that will diverge significantly from previously published classifications.

Cladogram above used with permission from: Clausing, G., and S.S. Renner. 2001. Molecular phylogenetics of Melastomataceae and Memecylaceae: implications for character evolution. American Journal of Botany 88(3): 486-498.

This table summarizes the major taxa that have been recognized in five systems of classification of the Melastomataceae. The order has been changed from the original systems so that the similarities are more apparent.