Scurvy weed, Wandering Jew
Commelina cyanea
Family: Commelinaceae
What it is like
A weak straggling herb. It is an evergreen plant. It grows to 30 cm high and spreads to 2 m across. The stems are weak and fleshy, and lie along the ground, and form roots at the nodes. The leaves are green or blue, and sword shaped. They are 3-7 cm long, by 2 cm across. They form a sheath at the base. The flowers are bright blue, with 3 petals. They are 1.5 cm across. The flowers are carried on a branched flower stalk. The flowers open in the morning and collapse by afternoon.
There are about 230 Commelina species.
Where it is found
It is tropical and subtropical. It grows in moist soil. It suits a sheltered, partly shaded position. It is drought and frost tender.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Norfolk Island, Pacific, Papua New Guinea
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten after cooking.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown by dividing the clump or using stem cuttings.