Heteranthery exists in several angiosperm families, such as Melastomataceae, Solanaceae, Lythraceae, Leguminosae and Pontederiaceae, but the aspects and extent of differentiation often vary in taxa.

异型野牡丹科、茄科、干屈菜科、豆科、雨花科等多个科中都有布,但其程度常随类群而异。