Variable Dayflower

Commelina diffusa, in Kenya, photo © Michael Plagens

Creeping plant with two, deep blue petals on each flower that are open for less than one day.

More Information ...

Tropical Spiderwort

Spiderwort or Dayflower, Commelina, in Kenya, photo © Michael Plagens

Two large blue petals and one smaller appear for a short time, maybe a day. Common herb or weed in moist gardens.

More Information ...

African Dayflower

A succulent spiderwort among rocks, Commelinaceae, photo © Michael Plagens

Low growing herb with two larger oval petals to each flower. Leaf shape and colors highly variable.

More Information ...

Murdannia

Murdannia simplex in Kenya, photo © Michael Plagens

Three more-or-less equal blue petals. Knot-like swellings on stems below open flowers. Narrow leaves.

More Information ...

Aneilema

Clinging Aneilema, in Kenya, photo © Michael Plagens

Vine-like, herbaceous or slightly woody plant clambers over other vegetation. Two petals much larger than the third. Partly shady undergrowth.

More Information ...

Nicholson's Spiderwort

Aneilema nicholsonii photo © Michael Plagens

The purple-blue flowers with two enlarged petals are set in a compact spike of many flowers.

More Information ...

Cyanotis

A succulent spiderwort among rocks, Commelinaceae, photo © Michael Plagens

Small, three-petaled, purple flowers with 6 stamens. Leaf bases with sheathes giving stem jointed look. Succulent.

More Information ...

Floscopa

Floscopa glomerata in Kenya, photo © Michael Plagens

Aquatic plant of shallow flooded areas, marshes. Clasping linear leaves. Showy purple flowers in many-headed clusters.

More Information ...

Wandering Jew

Tradescantia pallida photo © Michael Plagens

Decumbent, partly succulent plant with dark, purplish leaves and lavender purple blooms. Non-native escaped from landscapes and gardens.

More Information ...


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 16 February 2015,
updated 22 Nov. 2017.

By no means am I an expert on the Natural History of Kenya. I am a novice exploring this part of the World. By creating a page for the species as I encounter them I am teaching myself. If the reader finds an error, please let me know so that I can make corrections (use copyright link).