How to identify Asiatic dayflower (Commelina communis)
Asiatic dayflower is a robust, herbaceous plant that can either stand erect at roughly 3 feet (91 cm) in height or extend across the terrain spanning 10 feet (3 meters). It is characterized by a sprawling habit, often taking root where stem joints make contact with soil. The plant produces distinct 1 inch (2.5 cm) blue to purple flowers, each emerging on a 2-inch (5 cm) stalk, and lasting for only a single day during the morning hours from mid-summer to early autumn. The root system is composed of a network of fibrous tendrils that enable vegetative propagation, allowing asiatic dayflower to quickly form dense colonies.
Lifespan: Annual, Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Sprawling habit, rooting at stem joints for quick colonization.
Distinct blue and purple flowers, lasting a single morning day.
Seed capsule divided into 2 cells, each holding 2 dark seeds.
Hairless lance to egg-shaped leaves with membranous sheath.
Smooth, glossy green stem, with sparse branching at nodes.
The leaves of asiatic dayflower are broadly lance-shaped to egg-shaped, hairless, and measure up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) across. They can be ovate, lanceolate-ovate, or slightly cordate, with parallel veins. The base of each leaf is either sessile or clasping and features a 1 inch (2.5 cm) membranous sheath that wraps around the stem.
Asiatic dayflower's flowers are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, featuring three petals: two vibrant blue ones and a smaller white one. The sepals are nearly translucent and pale white. Showy yellow sterile anthers attract pollinators, while the longer fertile lower stamens ensure reproduction. A distinct green spathe, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, supports the flower with its free upper margins extending to the base. These flowers bloom in late summer, adding a splash of color to their surroundings.
The stem of asiatic dayflower is round, smooth, and hairless. It typically exhibits a green coloration and bears a glossy sheen. The stems are slender, usually around 0.1 to 0.3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 mm) in diameter. They display a sprawling or creeping growth pattern, often forming nodes that can root upon contact with the soil. Branching is relatively sparse but occurs frequently at nodes, enabling the plant to spread efficiently across surfaces.
The fruit of asiatic dayflower is a seed capsule that is notably divided into 2 distinct cells. Each cell is the home of 2 seeds, amounting to a total of 4 seeds per capsule. The seeds themselves boast a dark brown to black hue, providing a vivid contrast to their surroundings. A tactile examination reveals a notably bumpy and rough (rugose) texture. This characteristic surface texture, along with the capsule's unique cell division, is pivotal for the accurate identification of the fruit.
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Scientific Classification of Asiatic dayflower
