commelina erecta
What is Commelina erecta?
Commelina erecta or Santa Lucia grass, is a perennial herbaceous plant with blue flowers. Commelina is a genus that includes approximately 200 species of herbaceous and perennial plants belonging to the Commelinaceae family.
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DESCRIPTION:
How is Commelina erecta?
It is an erect or creeping weed plant, with branched, cylindrical stems, covered with hairs or not. Its length can vary from 20 to 90 centimeters.
The leaves of Commelina erecta are alternately distributed, they are ovate-lanceolate in shape, pointed towards the apex and towards the base they take a rounded shape, which later becomes tubular, to embrace the stem in a sheath, covered with white hairs. .
Wrapped in pods covered with white hairs, botanically called spathes (large and broad bracts, generally colored, that surround the inflorescences), the Commelina erecta flowers appear, emerging from this fused pod, which contains a viscous liquid in its interior.
The flowers of Commelina erecta are made up of three petals, two blue (rarely white or lilac) at the top and a smaller, whitish one at the bottom, which in contrast to the six yellow stamens in the center give life to this beautiful and rare flower, attracting different types of pollinators. The flowers open during the first and cool hours of the morning and when the environment becomes a little warmer or the sun shines directly on them, they close.
OTHER NAMES OR COMMON NAMES:
What other names is Commelina erecta known by?
Canutillo, flower of Santa Lucía, espuelitas, grass of chicken, grass of Santa Lucía, mataliste, mataliz, rosilla or tetzocana.
HABITATS AND DISTRIBUTION:
Where is it from and where does Commelina erecta live?
The Commelina erecta, is a plant native to tropical America, widespread throughout it, from the United States to Argentina. Also, it has been introduced to tropical Africa. It is common to find it from sea level to 1,500 meters above sea level.
Commelina erecta can be found in moist to dry soils, it does not need a lot of solar radiation, it is usually found in shady and partially illuminated places. Sometimes it grows in gardens without anyone planting it there and it also tends to be invasive and difficult to eradicate.
SPREAD:
How is Commelina erecta propagated or reproduced?
It propagates sexually by means of seeds, since Commelina erecta produces up to 1,000 seeds per plant and asexually, by rhizomes. In addition, the stems of the Commelina erecta, when their basal nodes touch the ground, produce roots, consequently creating a new stem or a new plant.
APPLICATIONS:
What are the uses and what is Commelina erecta used for?
Its use occurs in gardening and traditional medicine, where it is used for various ailments.
Commelina erecta is used as an ornamental plant, since it is very easy to sow, cultivate and propagate.
In infusion, the branches of the plant are prepared to treat intestinal and liver problems.
As a natural eye drop, Commelina erecta is used, because it is used to treat conjunctivitis, irritation and discomfort in the eyes.
Негізгі бет Commelina erecta, dayflower, slender dayflower, or widow's tears - Commelinaceae
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