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commelina
Scientific Name: Commelina coelestis
Family: Commelinaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Dayflowers (Commelina spp.)
The genus Commelina, encompassing approximately 170-230 species, is widely known as dayflowers due to the ephemeral nature of their blooms. Several species are also known by other common names.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Commelina species can form mats or clumps.
- Commelina coelestis has fleshy roots.
Considerations for Children
- Some Commelina species can form mats or clumps.
- Commelina coelestis has fleshy roots.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Commelina
- Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
Common Names
- Dayflower (general for the genus)
- Asiatic Dayflower (for Commelina communis)
- Bird-bill Day Flower (for Commelina dianthifolia)
- Tropical Spiderwort (for Commelina benghalensis)
- Sleeping Beauty (for Commelina tuberosa)
- Scurvy Weed (for Commelina cyanea)
- Blue Wandering Jew (for Commelina benghalensis, possibly misidentified)
- Whitemouth Dayflower (for Commelina erecta)
Synonyms and Alternative Names
- Commelina cavaleriei (synonym for Commelina benghalensis)
- Commelina benghalensis var. benghalensis (synonym for Commelina benghalensis)
- Honohono (for Commelina diffusa)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical Asia and Africa (Commelina benghalensis).
- Pantropical and subtropical distribution, including Yemen, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia.
- Commelina diffusa introduced from Asia to Florida.
- Commelina erecta is native to Florida.
Ecological Role
- Some Commelina species, like Commelina benghalensis, are considered herbaceous weeds.
- Commelina communis is noted as an invasive plant in the Piedmont region.
- Commelina benghalensis is on the Federal Noxious Weed List.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Can be annuals or perennials.
- May form mats or clumps.
- Leaves are typically lance-shaped.
- Flowers have three petals, emerging in succession.
- Commelina coelestis is a leafy perennial reaching about two feet high, with fleshy leaves and roots, and small clusters of blue flowers.
- Commelina communis is a creeper that grows to 30-90 cm.
- Commelina benghalensis has creeping stems.
- Commelina dianthifolia 'Electric Blue' has thin grass-like leaves.
- Commelina robusta is a tall scandent herbaceous perennial, growing to 1-3m.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Commelina diffusa can be infected by Commelina yellow mottle virus (CoYMV).
Quirky Facts
- Commelina cyanea (Scurvy Weed) was eaten by early white settlers in Australia to alleviate scurvy due to a lack of vitamin C.
Further Information
- List of Commelina species on Wikipedia.
- Commelina on Wikimedia Commons.
- Commelina communis TSN 39127