Plate 42.
COMMELINA benghalensis.
Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal.
Commelinaceae. Tribe Commelineae.
Commelina, Linn.; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant. vol. iii. p. 847.
Commelina benghalensis, Linn. Sp. Pl. 41; Fl. Cap. vol. vii. p. 9.
A common species in certain habitats in South Africa, and extending to Tropical Africa, throughout India to Japan, and the Moluccas. On account of its easy cultivation and the exquisite deep shade of blue of the petals, it deserves more recognition from gardeners, and should be at least as great a favourite as species of Tradescantia (The Wandering Jew). The floral structure shows interesting modifications in the stamens, and a study of the method of pollination would certainly bring to light some interesting facts. This plant often produces at the base modified (cleistogamic) flowers which burrow into the ground and produce small capsules.
The original drawing from which our figure has been reproduced was prepared by Miss Page and loaned by the Curator of the Bolus Herbarium. The plants flowered in March and April at the National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch (No. 1232/18), and were sent by Mr. G. Hay from Louis Trichardt, Transvaal.