Asiatic Dayflower
Commelina communis

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

An annual herb with creeping stems. It grows 20-60 cm high. It can produce many branches that root at the nodes. The leaves are sword shaped and 4-9 cm long by 2 cm wide. It forms a sheath around the stem at the base. The flowers are bright blue. The 3 petals are not equal in size. There are 2 large ones and one small one. The upper 2 are blue and the lower one is white.

It is used in medicine. There are about 230 Commelina species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in humid places. It grows in wet soil. It grows in wetlands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, North America, Russia (Far East), SE Asia, Slovenia, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves and tender shoots and flowers are eaten as a green vegetable. They are cooked. They are served with butter and salt and miso or rice. They can be chopped finely and added to salads. The seeds are eaten when food is scarce.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, flowers, stems

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

A tor, Dang dai, Danzhuye, Duck's tongue plant, Gangi gadda, Kannang keeray, Miandazi, Rau trai, Spider wort, Thai lai trang, Wa you, Yashecao, Ya song, Zhuyecao

Synonyms

Commelina coreana H. Léveillé & Vaniot.;