What is botanical name of commelina?
Commelina
Dayflowers/Scientific names
How does pollination occur in commelina Benghalensis?
In all three species, the stigma was often directed toward the central anther during coiling of the style. Our results show that C. diffusa subsp. aquatica is sterile and that, in the other Commelina variants studied, pollination occurs mainly through autogamy via the lateral and central anthers.
What is Commelina sp?
Commelina is a genus of approximately 170 species commonly called dayflowers due to the short lives of their flowers. They are less often known as widow’s tears. It is by far the largest genus of its family, Commelinaceae.
What pollination is in Commelina?
In the three Commelina species studied here, pollination is mainly through autogamy and insects were not observed foraging on the anthers of any of the species. Pollen from the central and lateral anthers are capable of siring seeds spontaneously, except in C.
Is Commelina is cleistogamous?
The anatomy and pollination of subterranean cleistogamous flowers of Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) is described as a contribution to understanding its reproductive biology. Nearly mature flowers have straight to somewhat curved styles; at maturity, styles elongate and coil.
What is the advantage of cleistogamy?
The principal advantage of cleistogamy is that it requires fewer plant resources to produce seeds than does chasmogamy, because development of petals, nectar and large amounts of pollen is not required. This efficiency makes cleistogamy particularly useful for seed production on unfavorable sites or adverse conditions.
How big does a Commelina benghalensis plant get?
C. benghalensis belongs to a family with 500-600 species with distinct characteristics. C. benghalensis has creeping stems which assume an ascending position, are 15-40 cm long, branched and rooting at the nodes. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, acuminate, 3-7 cm long, 1-2.5 cm wide with a base narrowed into a petiole.
What are the medicinal uses of Commelina benghalensis?
Humans contribute greatly to seed dispersal when harvesting it for medicinal purposes. Commelina benghalensis is used medicinally by different cultures. In Zulu culture the plant is used as a poultice and it is also taken to reduce high blood pressure. It is used by the Sotho for treating barren women.
What are the natural enemies of Commelina benghalensis?
The few natural enemies of C. benghalensis have been listed by Waterhouse (1994). They include insects, nematodes and fungi but most relate to polyphagous species, many of which are pests. However, there are records of agromyzid leaf miners, likely to have narrow host ranges from the Americas.
Where is Commelina benghaleis found in the world?
Commelina benghalesis is a common, widespread weed found throughout southern Africa, tropical Africa and Asia and it is difficult to eradicate in cultivated areas because of its subterranean, seed-bearing capsules. It is used medicinally by different cultures.