Erect dayflower
Commelina erecta L.
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect or decumbent, usually pubescent at nodes.
- Leaves
- Alternate, simple, linear-lanceolate to ovate-elliptic, 1 to 4 inches long, 1/2 to 1 inch wide, glabrous or lightly pubescent, waxy; margins entire; tips pointed; basal sheaths conspicuous; margins fringed with whitish hairs.
- Inflorescence
- Few-flowered clusters.
- Flower
- 3-parted; enclosed by spathes, 1/2 to 1 inch long, open across top but fused along back margin; upper 2 petals larger and blue; lower petal smaller and white; stamens 6, 3 fertile, 3 sterile.
- Fruit
- Capsules, 3-celled; seeds smooth, brown, white-dotted.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Moist, sandy or rocky soils.
- Distribution
- Throughout, but infrequent in northwest quarter of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
The flowers bloom for only one day, wilting into a moist, blue mass after a few hours. The flower can last longer on cloudy days or in shady settings. The genus Commelina was named by Linnaeus for members of the Dutch family Commelijn. The 2 showy petals refer to that family's 2 prominent botanists, Jan (1629--1692) and Caspar (1667--1731), while the third less conspicuous petal represents the family member who died before becoming a well known botanist.
Special Notes: See commelina communis a closely related species.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Commelinaceae - Spiderwort Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 4-30 inches
- Last Updated
- 2007-09-07
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: July, August, September