Commelina ensifolia and C. diffusa | Wandering Jew, Scurvy Plant. |
Commelinaceae | Early settlers used the plant as a green vegetable to combat scurvy. The two species of Commelina are similar but can be separated by the spathe. C. ensifolia has the spathes funnel-shaped and base fused, while C. diffusa has spathes conduplicate with bases cordate not fused. Comelina diffusa was previously C. cyanea. |
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Flowers of both species may sometimes have a reduced third petal. (Picture supplied by Ian Sutton) |
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Terminology conduplicate = folded lengthwise cordate = heart-shaped spathe = a large bract enclosing a flower
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All pictures © Copyright Graeme V. surname 2004. All rights reserved.