Commelina benghalensis

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  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Commelina benghalensis
  • Genus: Commelina
  • Synonym: Commelina africana L.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Bengal dayflower or tropical spiderwort.
  • Family: Commelinaceae
  • Botanical Description: Commelina benghalensis is an annual or perennial herb that typically grows close to the ground, spreading through nodes that root at the joints. It forms dense mats and can be quite vigorous under favorable conditions. The stems are creeping, juicy, and branch extensively, rooting at the nodes. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, arranged alternately along the stems, with sheaths that are closed at the base. They are typically bright green and glossy. Leaves are smooth with parallel veins, each leaf ranging from 3 to 9 cm long. The flowers are small and typically blue or violet, though sometimes they can be white. They are produced singly or in pairs in leaf axils. Commelina benghalensis generally flowers throughout the warm months, from spring through late fall, depending on the climate. The fruit is a capsule containing two chambers with seeds.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering from May to September.
  • Plant Uses: Medicinal Uses, Culinary Uses and Decorative Uses.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: Wazobia Complex Rumuosi Rivers State.
  • Habit: Herb
  • Mode: Wild

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