Asiatic dayflower (Commelina communis)

Commelina is a genus of approximately 170 species commonly called dayflowers due to the short lives of their flowers. They are less often known as widow's tears.

The Asiatic dayflower (Commelina communis) is probably the best known species in the west. It is a common weed in parts of Europe and throughout eastern North America. It grows happily in fairly urban environments, often colonizing neglected gardens. It can be seen growing among garden periwinkle plants, perhaps because the superficial similarity of their stems and leaves makes it harder to weed out.

Commelina communis flower with typical arrangement of floral parts: 3 staminodes are present above, 3 fertile stamens below with the central one differing in size and form, and a single style emerging between them (curved in this species).


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