Additional notes (click to expand)
Medicinal
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
Nomenclature
Seed received as Commelina coelestis. Name not recognised by the RHS.
The Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Database, (2016), available at www.rhs.org.uk
Other use
Edible: rich in starch
Plants for a Future (2016) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Commelina+tuberosa
Geographical distribution
- Northern America, Mexico
Commelina tuberosa L. Coelestis Group
Family: COMMELINACEAEGenus: Commelina
Species: tuberosa L.
Cultivar: Coelestis Group
Common names: Blue Spider Wort
Distribution summary: Mexico
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H2 - Tender; cool or frost-free greenhouse
Habitat: Thickets and open forest
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Plants in pots (POT)
Flowering months: July, August, September