The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Commelinaceae

The Commelinaceae are herbs comprising about 50 genera and 700 species that are often somewhat succulent and frequently have cymose inflorescences sometimes subtended by a boat-shaped spathe. The leaves are alternate, simple, parallel-veined, and usually with a closed sheathing base. The flowers are bisexual and actinomorphic or commonly slightly to strongly zygomorphic. The perianth is in two usually differentiated series. The calyx is usually of 3 distinct herbaceous sepals. The corolla is usually of 3 equal or sometimes unequal, distinct, deliquescent petals. The androecium typically comprises 6 distinct stamens but commonly 3 or sometimes more are reduced to staminodes. The gynoecium consists of a single simple pistil of 3 carpels, a single style and a superior ovary containing 3 or occasionally by abortion only 2 locules, each containing 1-few axile ovules. The fruit is usually a loculicidal capsule or is sometimes indehiscent.

Callisia (Striped inch plant, Chain plant) Callisia
Cyanotis (Pussy Ears, Teddy bear plant)Cyanotis

GeogenanthusGeogenanthus

RhoeoRhoeo

SetcreaseaSetcreasea
SiderasisSiderasis

TradescantiaTradescantia

Zebrina (Wandering Jew)Zebrina
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