Melastigma

Melastigma is a genus name that has appeared in scientific classification across different biological groups. The term has been used in zoological literature for certain aquatic organisms and, in some historical botanical texts, as an obsolete or misapplied name. The etymology likely derives from Greek roots meaning “black” and “mark,” a reference sometimes noted in descriptions of specimens with dark markings.

In zoology, Melastigma was historically applied as the genus designation for several fish taxa described from the Indo-Pacific region. Over time, taxonomic revisions have transferred these species to other genera, and Melastigma is now considered not to be a valid or widely accepted genus in current practice.

In botany, the name has occasionally appeared as a genus epithet or in historical synonymy with other melastome-bearing plants, but it is not recognized as a valid genus within the modern Melastomataceae classification.

Current usage and status vary across major taxonomic databases. Some catalogs treat Melastigma as an obsolete or invalid name, while others do not recognize it as an accepted genus at all. Researchers are advised to consult up-to-date resources to confirm current status, including specialized databases for zoology and botany.

See also: taxonomy, genus, synonym, Melastoma, Melastomataceae, FishBase, IPNI, WoRMS.