Spiderworts and Allies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER COMMELINALES

-Subfamily Commelinoideae

-Tribe Commelineae

-Dayflowers (Genus Commelina)

-Whitemouth Dayflower (Commelina erecta)

The common name “whitemouth” refers to the tiny white petal that, because of its placement, gives the appearance of a small white mouth. “Dayflower” refers to the ephemeral nature of the flower — they open in the morning and are closed by early afternoon. Scrubby woods, pinelands, dunes, hammocks and disturbed areas are favorite habitats.

Description

• Commelina erecta, commonly known as erect dayflower or whitemouth dayflower, is a perennial herb in the dayflower family (Commelinaceae). It has slender, often branching stems that may grow upright or trail along the ground, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Its flowers typically have two prominent blue petals and a smaller, paler lower petal, partly enclosed by a folded, leaf-like green bract. Each flower lasts for a short time, often opening for only part of the day.

Range

• Commelina erecta is native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• It grows in open woodland, tropical dry forest margins, grasslands, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed ground. It often favours sunny or partly shaded sites with well-drained soil and can persist through seasonal dry periods.