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.

异蕊在野牡丹科、茄科、干屈菜科、豆科、雨花科等多个科中都有分布,但其分化常随类群而异。