Seed received as Commelina coelestis. Name not recognised by the RHS.

The Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Database, (2016), available at www.rhs.org.uk

A methanolic extract of the related species Commelina communis showed potent inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase. Several compounds were identified from the plant that support the pharmacological basis of it's traditional herbal medicine use for diabetes.

Kim H.S., Kim Y.H., Hong Y.S., Paek N.S., Lee H.S., Kim T.H., Lee J.J. (1999) alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors from Commelina communis. Planta Med. 1999. Jun; 65(5): 437-9 65(5): 437-9

Edible: rich in starch

Plants for a Future (2016) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Commelina+tuberosa

It is of evolutionary interest as it is found on the Pacific coast of Central and South America and the very similar Commelina communis only on the Pacific coast of Asia from Russia, China, Japan, Vietnam etc. Did it come as C, communis (and evolved into a separate species) with early migrants from Japan to Ecuador and Peru where many of the indigenous people have Japanese features?

Named for Dutch botanist, Johan Commelin (1629-1692) and his nephew Caspar (1667-1731)

Stearn, W.T. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell.

Northern America, Mexico