Erect dayflower, Blue commelina
Commelina erecta

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are 4-15 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The flowers are blue.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. In Argentina it grows below 700 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central America, Chile, Costa Rica, East Africa, Ethiopia, Guyana, Mozambique, Nicaragua, North America, Paraguay, South America, Southern Africa, Uruguay, USA, West Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Anda caa, Andaca, Baguero mini, Cambillo, Cosita, Flor de santa lucia, Herba de pollo, Khadzi, Maria, Surnate

Synonyms

Commelina bracteosa Hassk.; Commelina elegans Kunth; Commelina gerrardii C. B. Clarke; Commelina sulcata Willd.; Commelina undulata R. Br.; and many others