Commelina subulata

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has one stem and develops several stems later. It has a bulb. It grows near water. It grows up to 25 cm high. Flowers can be yellow, pink, blue of orange.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid regions. It is often in places with a marked dry season. It is often over limestone material. It grows in poorly drained sandy soils. It is often on the edge of pools and in seasonally wet areas. It grows between 380-1,875 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Eswatini, India, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The roots are used to make beer. They are pounded and added to beer brewing.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kaqnibe, Ugo

Synonyms

Commelina violacea C. B. Clarke;