Asiatic Dayflower

Did you know

• Each flower lasts only a single morning, wilting into a jelly-like mass by afternoon, hence the name dayflower.
• The genus was named by Linnaeus after the three Commelin brothers; two were noted botanists (the two large petals) and one died young (the small petal).
• The vivid blue pigment extracted from the petals was traditionally used in Japanese woodblock printing and fabric dyeing.
• The plant has cleistogamous flowers underground that self-pollinate and produce seeds without ever opening.
• In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is used as an anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing remedy.

Color meanings

Uses

• traditional dye source
• herbal medicine
• edible green