The Melastomataceae are the eighth largest group of flowering plants with more than 5600 species, most of which grow in the New World tropics. This project aims to explore the factors that may have contributed to the extreme diversity of Melastomataceae by using phylogenomics to build an evolutionary tree that includes at least 3000 species. We also investigate the geographic origin and subsequent movements across continents and environments, the evolution of morphological and genetic features, and associated diversification rate shifts throughout the worldwide distribution.

NSF-DEB 2002270 Collaborative Research (UF & NYBG): Resolving the relationships of Melastomataceae, one of the world’s most diverse flowering plant radiations