Tradescantia spathacea Sw.

 

Family – Commelinaceae

Synonym – Rhoeo spathacea (Sw.) Stearn 

Vernacular names – Riyo

Habit – Herb

Habitat – Grown as garden plant

Distribution – South East Mexico to Guatemala, widely introduced elsewere

Flowering and Fruiting – September-April

Key Identification Features – This perennial herb features erect stems that often form dense clusters. Its leaves are alternate, oblong-lanceolate, and somewhat fleshy, with dark green upper surfaces and purple undersides. The flowers grow in axillary umbels, subtended by large ovate bracts, and have white petals with an abruptly acute apex.

Uses – It is a garden plant