Family: Commelinaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 41 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Commelina
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to C. America, Peru to NW. Argentina
Description
The plant colloquially known as Commelina, scientifically referred to as Commelina tuberosa, is a member of the Commelinaceae family. First described by the notable botanist Carl Linnaeus in his groundbreaking work published in 1753, this species boasts a notable lineage in the botanical world.
Commelina tuberosa is predominantly found across a wide geographic range, flourishing from Mexico down through Central America and extending its presence through Peru all the way to the northwestern regions of Argentina. This wide distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and elevations, showcasing its resilience and ecological versatility.
The Commelina genus is recognized for its striking blue or purplish flowers, a characteristic feature that aids in its identification. These plants often thrive in moist, shaded environments, where they take advantage of the rich soil conditions to grow and propagate. They are known for their tuberous roots, which not only support their perennial growth in favorable conditions but also contribute to their ability to survive periods of drought or colder weather by storing nutrients.
In many of the regions where Commelina tuberosa is found, the plant plays a role not just in the natural ecosystem but also in traditional practices. It has been used in various local medicinal applications, and its vibrant flowers often attract pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits.
Overall, Commelina tuberosa stands out as a significant plant species within the Commelinaceae family, not only for its widespread presence and botanical interest but also for its contribution to local ecosystems and cultural practices across its native range.
Common Names
Eng: commelina
Swe: himmelsblomma
En: Commelina
Ar: وعلان درني
Zh: 块根鸭跖草
Fi: Tarhasoljo
Sv: Himmelsblomma
Synonyms
- Commelina acuminata (Kunth)
- Commelina parviflora (Rchb.)
- Commelina nervosa (Ruiz & Pav.)
- Commelina gracilis (Hook.)
- Commelina tuberosa var. nana (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Commelina graminifolia var. clandestina (C.B.Clarke)
- Commelina alpestris (Standl. & Steyerm.)
- Commelina quitensis var. mandonii (C.B.Clarke)
- Commelina nilagirica (Steud. ex C.B.Clarke)
- Commelina fasciculata (Ruiz & Pav.)
- Commelina scapigera (Kunth)
- Commelina cayennensis var. pubescens (Griseb.)
- Erxlebia fusiformis (Medik.)
- Commelina tuberosa var. coelestis ((Willd.) D.R.Hunt)
- Commelina clandestina (Kunth)
- Commelina fasciculata subsp. chacoensis (Slanis & Bulacio)
- Allosperma tuberosa ((L.) Raf.)
- Commelina coelestis f. albipetala (Matuda)
- Commelina longicaulis (Kunth)
- Commelina tuberosa var. inflata (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Commelina graminifolia (Kunth)
- Commelina pallida var. parviflora (C.B.Clarke)
- Ovidia gracilis (Raf.)
- Commelina coelestis (Willd.)
- Commelina intermedia (Schltdl.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Peru (native)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Malawi (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:302798-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2763962)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Commelina tuberosa L.)