The Melastomataceae is a very large family containing some 200 genera and 4500 species of herbs, shrubs, trees or lianas. The family is mostly tropical with two-thirds coming from the New World. Leaves are typically arranged in pairs and situated in a decussate fashion, each pair being at a right angle to the pairs above and below. Many members of this family are extremely invasive, and have developed adaptations such as high germination rates, the ability of fragments to root, rapid growth, early maturity, and efficient seed dispersal, allowing them to efficiently colonize secondary areas and disturbed habitats. Miconia calvescens and Clidemia hirta are two species which have caused great damage on Pacific islands. The family name comes from genus Melastoma, and is derived from the Greek melas, 'black,' and stoma, 'a mouth.' The berries of this species stain the mouth black.