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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Commelina dianthifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

The following use is for the closely related C. tuberosa, but is also probably appropriate for this species[K]. Tubers - cooked. Rich in starch[105, 177], but with a fairly bland flavour.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Aphrodisiac TB

An infusion of the plant is used as an aphrodisiac[207] and as a strengthener for weakened patients with tuberculosis[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a light well-drained loam with added leafmold[42]. Succeeds in an ordinary, reasonably moist soil in a sunny position with some shelter[164]. Plants are hardy to about -10°c if the roots are protected from freezing[187]. It is probably best to dig up the roots in autumn and store them like dahlias in a cool frost free place[200]. When grown in a light well-drained soil and mulched well, the roots usually survive the winter outdoors[1]. This species is closely related to C. tuberosa[200]. The flowers are very ephemeral, individual flowers only living for a few hours[266].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 4 - 5 weeks at 20°c[164]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring. Make sure that each portion has at least one growing bud[111, K]. Cuttings during the growing season. Very easy[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona), Mexico (Chihuahua)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Commelina coelestis	Blue Spider Wort, Commelina	Perennial	0.5	8-11		L	N	DM	2	0
Commelina communis	Day Flower, Asiatic dayflower	Perennial	0.8	6-9		LM	SN	DM	3	2	1
Commelina elliptica		Perennial	0.1	7-10		LM	SN	DM	2	0
Commelina erecta	Slender Day-Flower, Whitemouth dayflower	Perennial	1.2	8-11		LM	SN	DM	2	0
Commelina erecta angustifolia	Whitemouth Dayflower	Perennial	0.8	8-11		LM	SN	DM	2	1
Commelina tuberosa	Commelina	Perennial	0.1	7-10		LM	SN	DM	2	0
Commelina virginica	Virginia Day-Flower	Annual/Perennial	1.2	-		LM	SN	DM	2	0
Tradescantia virginiana	Spiderwort, Virginia spiderwort	Perennial	0.4	4-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	2	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Commelina dianthifolia - Delile.