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Description
Commelina Erecta, also known as Whitemouth Dayflower or Slender Dayflower, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Commelinaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States and can also be found in Mexico and Central America. It is a small, delicate plant that grows up to 24 inches in height and blooms from July to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Commelina |
Appearance
The leaves of Commelina Erecta are oblong to lance-shaped, measuring up to 5 inches in length and 1 inch in width. They are arranged alternately on the stem and have a bluish-green color. The flowers are small, measuring only 0.5 inches in diameter, and have three blue petals and three yellow stamens. The plant produces small, white berries that contain small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Commelina Erecta is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Commelina Erecta is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Commelina Erecta is relatively pest and disease-free. However, the plant may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if the soil is kept too wet.
Habitat
Commelina Erecta is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and forest edges. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Commelina Erecta an invasive species?
A: No, Commelina Erecta is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Can Commelina Erecta be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Commelina Erecta can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and moisture.
Q: How often should I fertilize Commelina Erecta?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Commelina Erecta tolerate drought?
A: No, Commelina Erecta prefers moist soil and may wilt if the soil becomes too dry.
Related Plants
- Commelina Coelestis
- Commelina Diffusa
- Commelina Dianthifolia
- Commelina Virginica
- Commelina Elegans
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COER3
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=COER3
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/dayflower/growing-dayflowers.htm
- https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Commelina+erecta
