Blue spider wort
Commelina coelestis

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It develops a clump of finger shaped roots. It grows 40-70 cm tall. The flowers are blue.

There are about 230 Commelina species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Once established it can tolerate drought. In Guatemala it grows between 900-3,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America

How it is used for food

The rhizomes or underground stems are used as food.

Edible parts

Root, tuber

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate in 4-5 weeks at 20°C. They are transplanted when young. They can also be grown by division. It can be grown from cuttings that root easily.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Commelina intermedia Schltdl.; Commelina japonica Kunth; and others See Commelina tuberosa Coelestris group