Asiatic (common) dayflower
Asiatic (common) dayflower
Commelina communis L.
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort family)
Life cycle
Erect to spreading summer annual.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, oblong to lance-shaped, 2 to 4 inches long, gradually tapering to a point with parallel veins and smooth leaf margins. Leaves clasp the stem, forming conspicuous basal sheaths.
Stems
Erect to prostrate, spreading stems are numerously branched and root at the nodes. Stems are thick, fleshy and swollen at the nodes.
Flowers and fruit
Unique and attractive flowers, consisting of two large, bright blue petals at the top and a single small, white petal below, are enclosed in a green, leaflike bract. Flowers occur at the ends of long flower stalks. Each flower is open for one day only. Fruit are two-celled capsules that yield brown to reddish, wrinkled seeds.
Reproduction
Primarily by seeds, although vegetative reproduction occurs during the summer.
