Commelina ensifolia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Commelina ensifolia | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Commelinales |
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Genus: | Commelina |
| Species: | C. ensifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Commelina ensifolia | |
Commelina ensifolia, commonly known as scurvy weed, scurvy grass or wandering Jew,[1][2] is an annual herb native to Australia, India, and Sri Lanka.[3]
The species grows as a prostrate herb, producing roots from the stem at the nodes.[1] Flowers are bright blue with three petals, however one petal is much smaller than the others, often producing an appearance of two petals. The species prefers moist soils, but has a broad natural range, extending from coastal monsoon forest to the arid central deserts where it grows as an ephemeral following favourable rains.[1][2][4] The species has been eaten as a green vegetable by Aboriginals. European settlers also ate the plant to prevent scurvy, giving rise the common name of scurvy grass.[5]
The species is a minor weed in some parts of its natural range.[6]