Purple leaved spiderwort
Rhoeo spathacea

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant which creeps over the ground. The stems can be 25 cm long. It can attach to and climb on walls and rocks. The leaves are narrowly oval and 15-20 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The leaf blades are reddish-purple underneath. The bracts are purple on the outside and pink inside. The flowers are white and in a boat shaped spathe. The fruit is a capsule with 2 seeds.

There is only one Rhoeo species. Probably in a hot house in Slovenia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Fiji it grows at low altitudes. In Townsville Queens BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Fiji, Guam, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Mexico, Nauru, Nicaragua, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Slovenia, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young shoots are eaten. The leaves and flowers are eaten as a potherb.

It is cultivated and sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Sundang hari, Boat lily, Moses in a boat, Nanas kerang, Bunga adam dan hawa, Banca-banca, Waan-hoi-khraeng, So huyet, Oyster plant

Synonyms

Ephemerum discolor (L'Herit.) Moench; Tradescantia spathacea Sw.; Tradescantia discolor L'Her.; Rhoeo discolor Hance ex Walp.;