Tropical Spiderwort (Kane Jhar)

Catalogue Type

Weed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Commelina benghalensis L.

Family

Commelinaceae

Distinguishing Characters

germinates best in full light; somewhat tolerant
of herbicides

annual in temperate zones; prefers high
fertility;

single plant can cover a large area; useful forage
and human food

Photo of Weed

Description

Found in: upland, lowland Establishment method: DS >> WS
Growth habit: herb; up to 1 m; prostrate or ascending
Moisture: moist to wet; drier than C. diffusa Emergence time: 10 to 12 d
Seed contaminant: unknown Competitiveness: moderate
Cultural control: flooding; hand and mechanical weeding
may as stem pieces re-root Reported resistance: none
Life cycle: perennial Seed wt: 2.0 Method(s) of reproduction: seeds, stolons
Maturity time: aerial flowers in 35 d; rhizomes with underground flowers in 42 d
Dormancy: yes, innate Flower: purple or blue; those from underground stems
are whitish Elevation: up to 2,000 m Light: sunny to slightly shaded