commelina communis
i have seen this precious little friend on walks in our neighborhood, and today, at the barn swallow. the genus comes from the dutch commelin, the name of two renowned botanists and their dead brother. the flower's petals, two blue and one white, represent the three brothers.
the blossoms live but one day.
my new library book, "wildflowers of the blue ridge parkway," by j. anthony alderman, says, "dayflower roots, boiled and served with white sauce, make a tasty substitute for creamed potatoes. also, the young leaves can be eaten in salads."
one angry source said, "as 'communis' suggests, it forms huge spindly 'communities,' which choke other plants, and return in full force year after year." indeed, our little pal seems to be quite invasive.
it has been recognized medicinally in china, where it is used as a gargle for sore throats. it is also known to alleviate symptoms of various infections, including flu, tonsillitis, and urinary tract infections.
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