Day Flower, Asiatic dayflower

Commelina communis

Physical Characteristics

Commelina communis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - S. China, Japan, India.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves, flowers and young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 105, 177]. Chopped finely and added to salads or cooked as a potherb[183]. A sweet taste with a mucilaginous texture[179].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Astringent Depurative Diuretic Febrifuge The leaves are depurative, diuretic and febrifuge. Used as a throat gargle to relieve sore throats and tonsilitis. A decoction of the dried plant is used to treat bleeding, diarrhoea, fever etc. Extracts of the plant show antibacterial activity.

Known Hazards

None known