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Commelina diffusa

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Commelina diffusa Burm. f.

Family Name: Commelinaceae
Common Name: Spreading Dayflower, Climbing Dayflower, Scurvy Weed, 节节草, 竹节花

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical and Subtropical regions

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Perennial herb with a scrambling growth habit, reaching to a length of 1 m.
Foliage Lance-shaped to narrowly ovate leaves are smooth with undulate leaf margin. The leaf base wraps around the stem in a structure known as a leaf sheath.
Stems Stems are soft and weak with roots emerging at the leaf nodes.
Flowers Small, bright blue flowers are composed of 3 triangular petals with wavy margins.
Fruit Dry, dehiscent fruits are known as capsules (5 mm long).
Habitat It naturally occurs in shaded areas. When exposed to full sun, such as after a clearing has occurred, it tends to grow aggressively.
Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal: The leaves are rich in Vitamin C. Early settlers in Australia consumed this plant to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a Vitamin C deficiency.
Others: The blue dye extracted from the flowers are used in painting in China.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Lots of Water, Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Shallow Media, Easy to Grow
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Blue

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Seed Colour(s) Brown

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 30779
Species ID 5133
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 19 August 2021.
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