Commelina cyanea (Scurvy Weed) Australian Native Plant Profile

Description

Commelina cyanea commonly known as Scurvy Weed is a sprawling native ground cover with delicate blue flowers. Although a perennial plant it will lose some vigour in the cooler months and explode with new growth from spring through to autumn. It has dark green foliage and is often mistaken for the exotic and prolific weed Tradescantia fluminensis which is in the same family. Two of the easiest ways to tell them apart are the flower colour and also density of foliage, with Commelina tending to have more space between the leaves..

Growing Conditions

Commelina cyanea likes damp conditions although can tolerate spells of drier weather. It occurs from Narooma north into QLD primarily in moist forest. It is also often found in disturbed areas and commonly pops up in the garden. It can take full sun although grows best in part shade.

Habitat Value

Dense clumps of Commelina are teeming with invertebrate activity. The bright blue flowers last only a day but attract many pollinators and the dense foliage provides ample cover for predators as well as those wishing to hide from larger animals.

Uses

Environmentally it can be a good species to plant in damp shady areas. It’s fast growth and rapid seed production make it a good choice if trying to establish a groundcover layer in a highly disturbed area or provide native competition to vigorous exotic species.

In the garden it makes a great living mulch, it also works well in hanging baskets in shady spots as it cascades over the side and is a good native alternative to the popular Tradescantia species often sold at nurseries. It also has edible leaves which make it a nice addition in a food forest, permaculture garden or just around the veggie patch as a pollinator attractor and salad green. Quick disclaimer on that front, never eat any part of a plant unless you are 100% sure of the ID.

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Further Reading

https://finder.growingillawarranatives.org/plants/plant/133

https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Commelina~cyanea