Melastoma
/mɪˈlastəmə/noun
A genus of shrubs of South-East Asia (the type genus of the family Melastomataceae), characterized by cymes of showy white, pink, or purple flowers and sweet edible berries; (also melastoma) a shrub of this genus.
- Valid publication of the genus name: Linnaeus Species Plantarum (1753) I. 389..
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in Chambers's Cyclopaedia. From scientific Latin Melastoma from ancient Greek μέλας black + στόμα mouth, in allusion to the fact that the fruit of some species stains the mouth black when eaten.