Nakedstem dewflower (Murdannia nudiflora, Kew Bull. 7: 189 (1952))

Family: Commelinaceae

Author: (L.) Brenan

Bibliography: Kew Bull. 7: 189 (1952)

Year: 1952

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Murdannia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to W. Pacific

Description

The Nakedstem dewflower, scientifically known as Murdannia nudiflora, is an intriguing plant species belonging to the Commelinaceae family. This particular species was authoritatively documented by (L.) Brenan, with a significant entry published in 1952 within the Kew Bulletin (Vol. 7, p. 189).

Murdannia nudiflora thrives predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions extending from Asia to the western Pacific. It is notable for its ability to adapt and flourish across various climatic conditions within these broad geographical areas, showcasing its resilience and ecological versatility.

This plant is commonly recognized for its characteristic naked stems, differentiating it from other species within the Murdannia genus. The absence of substantial leaf coverage on its stems is a distinctive feature that adds to its unique botanical identity. The dewflower’s sparse foliage and delicate blooms contribute to its aesthetic appeal, making it a favored species among botanists and plant enthusiasts.

Despite its fragile appearance, the Nakedstem dewflower plays a vital role in its native habitats, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of the regions it inhabits. Its presence in both tropical and subtropical zones underscores its adaptability and importance within the ecosystem.

In conclusion, Murdannia nudiflora, the Nakedstem dewflower, is a remarkable plant species noted for its distinctive morphology and widespread distribution across tropical and subtropical Asia to the western Pacific. Documented extensively in botanical literature, it continues to be of significant interest to researchers and gardeners alike.

Common Names

Eng: nakedstem dewflower
En: Nakedstem dewflower, Naked-stem Dewflower, Doveweed

Synonyms

• Aneilema nudiflorum ((L.) Sweet)
• Aneilema compressum (Dalzell)
• Aneilema trichocoleum (Schauer)
• Aneilema diversifolium (Hassk.)
• Commelina exilis (Steud.)
• Murdannia malabarica var. compressa ((Dalzell) Santapau & S.K.Jain)
• Commelina radicans ((D.Don) Spreng.)
• Aneilema diandrum (Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.)
• Cyanotis gueinzii (Hassk.)
• Stickmannia guyanensis (Raf.)
• Aneilema bracteolatum var. majus (Seub.)
• Aneilema bracteolatum var. minus (Seub.)
• Commelina diandra (Steud.)
• Aneilema radicans (D.Don)
• Commelina minuta (Blume)
• Phaeneilema malabaricum ((L.) V.Naray.)
• Commelina chinensis (Osbeck)
• Aneilema junghunianum (Miq.)
• Aneilema foliosum (Hassk.)
• Commelina nudiflora f. pilosissima (Hochr.)
• Commelina nudiflora (L.)
• Aneilema malabaricum f. ochroleucum (Hochr.)
• Aneilema debile (Wall.)
• Aneilema malabaricum ((L.) Merr.)
• Commelina nudicaulis (Burm.f.)
• Phaeneilema nudiflorum ((L.) G.Brückn.)
• Stickmannia longicollis (Raf.)
• Aneilema nudiflorum var. compressum ((Dalzell) C.B.Clarke)
• Ditelesia nudiflora ((L.) Raf.)
• Callisia parvula (Brandegee)
• Aneilema nudicaule ((Burm.f.) G.Don)
• Aneilema lancifolium (Griff.)
• Commelina nudiflora f. angustifolia (C.B.Clarke)
• Murdannia malabarica ((L.) G.Brückn.)
• Aneilema minutum ((Blume) Kunth)
• Phaeneilema diversifolium ((Hassk.) G.Brückn.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Suriname (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Santhosh Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by YellowHammer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by vidclip (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by erwin halim (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Bikash Singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Bikash Singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2020 by Rajendra Rajendra Choure (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Ponce Díaz Tomas (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Habit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 23, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2013 by EOL − Matthew Herron (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Christina Evilsizer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Orca The Killer Whale Narwhal (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2764680)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:172873-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth