Peruvian spiderwort
Commelina elliptica

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A low growing herb. It grows 10 cm tall. It has a fattened tuberous root. The leaves are 10 cm long. The flower bracts are 3 cm by 4 cm.

There are about 230 Commelina species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in alpine or mountain locations. It suits hardiness zone 8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Central America, Colombia, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The root tubers are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds, cuttings or division of the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Commelina alpestris Standl. & Steyerm.; Commelina hirsuta Kunth; Commelina humilis Klotzsch ex C.B.Clarke; Commelina karwinskiana Kunth; Commelina karwinskii Mart. ex Kunth; Commelina orchioides Booth ex Lindl.; Commelina scapigera Kunth; Commelina variabilis Schltdl.;