Taxonomic status of <italic>Memecylon petiolatum</italic> Trimen ex Alston (Melastomataceae) and its extension of distribution to India.

<italic>Memecylon petiolatum </italic>TRIMEN EX ALSTON, an endemic species of Sri Lanka is recorded from India for the first time. Its taxonomic status is discussed here with proper circumscription. <italic>M. petiolatum</italic> is treated as variety of <italic>M. edule </italic>ROXB. Justification of the varietal rank under <italic>M. edule</italic> is discussed. A detailed description of the taxon supplemented by botanical illustration together with its flowering‐fruiting time, type details, etc. are provided to aid its correct and easy identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]