Contents
Description
Commelina Scabra, also known as the Rough Dayflower, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Commelinaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in wetlands, along streams, and in other moist areas. The plant has a unique flowering structure with small blue or purple flowers that bloom in the morning and close by midday.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Commelina |
Appearance
The Commelina Scabra has slender stems that can grow up to three feet tall. The leaves are long and narrow, with a blade shape that can range from lanceolate to linear. The flowers are small, with three petals that are blue or purple in color. They bloom in clusters at the end of the stems and have a unique structure with one petal forming a boat-shaped structure that encloses the other two petals.
Care Guide
Commelina Scabra is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for optimal growth:
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot.
- Hardiness Zones: Commelina Scabra can be grown in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Commelina Scabra is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which causes the plant to wilt and the leaves to yellow.
Habitat
Commelina Scabra is native to the southeastern United States, where it can be found in wetlands, along streams, and in other moist areas. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Commelina Scabra be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a location with bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I fertilize Commelina Scabra?
A: Once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Commelina Scabra?
A: The plant can be propagated through division in the spring or fall.
Q: Is Commelina Scabra toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Commelina Scabra is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep plants out of reach of animals.
Related Plants
- Commelina Coelestis
- Commelina Diffusa
- Commelina Virginica
- Tradescantia Fluminensis
References
- “Commelina Scabra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- “Rough Dayflower.” University of Florida. edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
- “Commelina Scabra.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. www.wildflower.org.
