For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Yellow Commelina (Commelina africana)

Yellow Commelina (Commelina africana) family Commelinaceae

 These tend to be a semi-erect trailing plant found in the warmer areas of SA.

 The leaves are stalkless and the flowers borne in boat-shaped spathes.

 Flowers open only during the sunlight hours and are about 5mm (1/2”) in diameter.

 It is used in traditional medicine (especially the roots) to treat various ailments including venereal disease, sterility as well as heart and bladder complaints.

 Young shoots and leaves are cooked as a green vegetable to which ground peanuts may be added as a condiment.

Information from: Wild flowers of South Africa by Braam van Wyk