This evergreen shrub is typical of the many melastomes found in tropical wet forests in all three floristic regions of the world. The family is easily spotted by its distinctive parallel-veined leaves with cross veins. The flowers are "magnificent" (showy) when seen but do not produce nectar. They are "buzz" pollinated by bees gathering pollen. Note the showy and fleshy fruits developing; what do you suppose disperses the fruits?