Scurvy grass, Wandering jew
Commelina ensifolia

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A soft trailing annual plant. It grows 30-50 cm high. The leaves are 5-10 cm long and 0.4-0.8 cm wide. They are narrowly sword shaped. They are dark green and sheath the stem at the base. The flowers are in the leafy sheath. They are 1 cm across. The flowers are blue. They have 2 rounded flimsy petals.

There are about 230 Commelina species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits tropical and subtropical places. It grows in moist places often near swamps. It is very frost sensitive.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), India, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Tubers, root, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from stem cuttings which strike easily.

Its other names

Local names

Amala, Buargu

Synonyms

Commelina undulata;