Whitemouth dayflower
Commelina erecta · Commelinaceae
Whitemouth dayflower
Commeline
Commelina erecta
Commelinaceae
Traditionally used
A blue-flowered dayflower of moist ground, its stems full of a cooling mucilage. The sap and crushed plant soothe burns, wounds, and inflamed eyes, and an infusion is taken as a mild diuretic.
In three languages
Kreyòl — panse epi sikatrize blesi (fèy kraze oswa misilaj); trete enfeksyon ak enflamasyon nan je (ji fèy); soulaje mal gòj ak pwoblèm po; itilize kòm diyretik
Français — Éphémère à fleurs bleues des sols humides, aux tiges pleines d'un mucilage rafraîchissant. La sève et la plante écrasée apaisent brûlures, plaies et yeux irrités, et une infusion se prend comme diurétique léger.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; Caribbean ethnobotany
Kept alongside