Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Commelinales
Genus:
Species:
diffusa
ID:
359316

Status:
valid

Authors:
Burm.f.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1768

Citation Micro:
Fl. Indica : 18 (1768)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000358648

Common Names

  • Commelina diffusa
  • Diffuse Commelina
  • Commelina

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Synonyms

  • Commelina communis Walter [unknown]
  • Commelina nudiflora werneana (Hassk.) C.B.Clarke [unknown]
  • Commelina diffusa diffusa [unknown]
  • Commelina nudiflora sellowiana (Kunth) Hicken [unknown]

Description

Commelina diffusa (also called Spreading Dayflower, among many other common names) is an annual herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. It is native to South Africa and is found in moist and sunny areas of meadows and fields.

Uses & Benefits

Commelina diffusa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover in landscaping. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and in roadside plantings.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Commelina diffusa sub. diffusa
Commelina diffusa var. gigas (Small) Faden
Commelina diffusa sub. violacea Faden

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Commelina diffusa has small, blue flowers in clusters of three, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The seeds are small, winged, and are dispersed by the wind. The seedlings are small, with a single, upright stem and a tuft of needle-like leaves at the top.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Commelina diffusa is an evergreen herb that can reach up to 1m in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done through seed in spring or summer. The seeds should be sown in a moist medium such as sand or perlite. Once germinated, the seedlings can be potted up into individual containers.

Where to Find Commelina diffusa

Commelina diffusa is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Commelina diffusa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Commelina diffusa?

Commelina diffusa

What is the common name of Commelina diffusa?

Diffuse dayflower

What is the natural habitat of Commelina diffusa?

It is found in moist forests, grasslands, and disturbed areas in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Species in the Commelina genus

Commelina acutispatha, Commelina acutissima, Commelina africana, Commelina agrostophylla, Commelina albescens, Commelina albiflora, Commelina amplexicaulis, Commelina appendiculata, Commelina arenicola, Commelina ascendens, Commelina aspera, Commelina attenuata, Commelina aurantiiflora, Commelina auriculata, Commelina avenifolia, Commelina bambusifolia, Commelina barbata, Commelina beccariana, Commelina bella, Commelina benghalensis, Commelina bequaertii, Commelina boissieriana, Commelina bracteosa, Commelina bravoa, Commelina cameroonensis, Commelina capitata, Commelina caroliniana, Commelina chamissonis, Commelina ciliata, Commelina clarkeana, Commelina clavata, Commelina communis, Commelina congesta, Commelina corbisieri, Commelina corradii, Commelina crassicaulis, Commelina cufodontii, Commelina cyanea, Commelina dammeriana, Commelina deflexa, Commelina dekindtiana, Commelina demissa, Commelina dianthifolia, Commelina dielsii, Commelina diffusa, Commelina disperma, Commelina droogmansiana, Commelina eckloniana, Commelina elliptica, Commelina ensifolia,

Species in the Commelinaceae family

Aetheolirion stenolobium, Amischotolype glabrata, Amischotolype gracilis, Amischotolype griffithii, Amischotolype hispida, Amischotolype hookeri, Amischotolype irritans, Amischotolype laxiflora, Amischotolype marginata, Amischotolype mollissima, Amischotolype monosperma, Amischotolype sphagnorrhiza, Amischotolype tenuis, Amischotolype barbarossa, Amischotolype divaricata, Amischotolype dolichandra, Amischotolype hirsuta, Amischotolype leiocarpa, Amischotolype lobata, Amischotolype parvifructa, Amischotolype pedicellata, Amischotolype rostrata, Amischotolype strigosa, Amischotolype welzeniana, Aneilema acuminatum, Aneilema aequinoctiale, Aneilema alatum, Aneilema angolense, Aneilema aparine, Aneilema arenicola, Aneilema benadirense, Aneilema beniniense, Aneilema biflorum, Aneilema brasiliense, Aneilema brenanianum, Aneilema brunneospermum, Aneilema calceolus, Aneilema chrysopogon, Aneilema clarkei, Aneilema dispermum, Aneilema dregeanum, Aneilema forskaolii, Aneilema gillettii, Aneilema grandibracteolatum, Aneilema hirtum, Aneilema hockii, Aneilema homblei, Aneilema indehiscens, Aneilema johnstonii, Aneilema lamuense,

References