Murdannia spirata
in H. G. A. Engler and K. Prantl, Die naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien, zweite Auflage 15a: 173. 1930.
WeedyIntroduced
Basionym: Commelina spirata Linnaeus Mant. Pl. 2: 176. 1771
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 22.
Herbs, annual, erect to decumbent, usually much branched with age, to 30 cm. Leaves: blade lanceolate-oblong to ovate, 1–4 × 0.3–1 cm. Inflorescences: cymes 1–2, several-flowered, elongate; bracteoles persistent, 2–6 mm apart. Flowers bisexual, radially symmetric, 8 mm wide; sepals 2.5–4 mm; petals rose or lavender with darker veins, 4–5 mm; fertile stamens 3; filaments bearded; staminodes 3. Capsules 3–5 mm. Seeds 3–7 per locule, less than 1 mm, warty.
Phenology: Flowering fall–early winter.
Habitat: Palm hammocks, low prairies, glades, pastures, and roadsides
Distribution
Introduced; Fla., native, Asia.
Discussion
Murdannia spirata was first collected in Florida in 1965.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.