Melastomaceae

plural noun

Me·​las·​to·​ma·​ce·​ae

mə̇ˌlastəˈmāsēˌē

: a family of trees, shrubs, or herbs (order Myrtales) that are characterized by opposite 3- to 9-nerved leaves, anthers with thickened connectives, and petals inserted on the throat of the calyx and that include numerous forms cultivated as ornamentals see rhexia

melastomaceous

⸗¦⸗⸗¦māshəs

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Melastoma, type genus + -aceae

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