Asian Dayflower
Commelina communis
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort) Family

Asian Dayflower is also known as Blue Day-Flower.

Plant is an upright to prostrate, mostly smooth, annual; rooting at the nodes or stems. Preferred habitat is woods, waste areas, yards, pine woods and at roadside. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

Leaves are alternate on the stem, having no teeth and no lobes. Shape is oval with base portion sheathing the stem (clasping).

Flowers are at the end of the stem either solitary or in clusters, each supported by a spathe; divided into two parts, one being the image of the other; bisexual; three sepals, three petals; two blue and one small white. Flowers occur in the spring and summer.

A related day flower, C. virginica (discussed in autumn wildflower), is similar but is hairy and has longer lance-like leaves. The species name “Commelina” refers to the Dutch botanists who first discovered and described the plant.

Legend has it that three brothers worked closely together in botanical studies. Two brothers distinguished themselves in the profession and were honored with the species name. A third brother who contributed little to the science was awarded the more insignificant white petal. The name “Day Flower” refers to the fact that the blossom remains on the stem for about 24 hours.