Pollia macrophylla

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A creeping herb. It can grow 2 m tall. The leaves are 10-24 cm long. The leaf stalk forms a sheath clasping the stem. The flower clusters are in rings. The flowers are purple. The fruit are shiny brown and 4-7 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 1,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Older leaves are cooked and eaten but younger leaves are bitter.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aclisia celebica Hassk.; Aclisia macrophylla (R. Br.) G. Brickn.; Aneilema macrophyllum R. Br.; Commelina macrophylla (R. Br.) Poir.; Pollia cyanococca F. Muell.;