Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Commelina benghalensis L.

 

Family: Commelinaceae

Synonym: Commelina acuminata R.Br.

Vernacular name: Adukkavettila, Kanavazhai, Vazhaplaachi, Vuzhaipadathi

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Wastelands, also in deciduous forests

Distribution: Africa, India, China, Japan and Malesia

Flowering and Fruiting: July-November

Key identification features: Diffuse herbs, rooting at lower nodes; rootstock with cleistogamous flowers. Spathe funnel-shaped, truncate at apex, pubescent. Petals blue, Capsule ellipsoid, 3-celled. Seeds 5, pitted.

Uses: The young leaves used as a vegetable and a paste derived from the plant is used to treat burns. The juice from the stem used to remove the dust from the eyes. Good fodder for cattles.



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