The Asiatic dayflower, Commelina communis, is a widespread herbaceous plant native to East Asia. This annual plant has naturalized in many parts of the world, including central and southeastern Europe and eastern North America. It commonly thrives in moist, disturbed sites like garden beds, cultivated fields, roadsides, and forest edges.
Edible Uses
The Asiatic dayflower offers several edible components. Its young leaves, stems, and flowers can be consumed, providing a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a mucilaginous texture. These parts are suitable for both raw and cooked preparations, such as adding finely chopped leaves and flowers to salads.
Older leaves are better suited for cooking. They can be incorporated into stir-fries, soups, or prepared as a potherb, similar to spinach or other leafy greens. In some regions of Asia, the Asiatic dayflower is cultivated as a vegetable. This plant provides nutritional value, containing vitamins A and C, along with minerals such as calcium and potassium. It also supplies flavonoids and other compounds with antioxidant properties.
Medicinal Properties
Beyond its use as a food source, the Asiatic dayflower has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia. It has been employed for its febrifugal, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects. Historically, it was used to address ailments including sore throats, tonsillitis, and conditions involving bleeding or diarrhea.
Research has identified several active compounds in the plant. For instance, p-hydroxycinnamic acid exhibits antibacterial activity. D-mannitol has shown an antitussive effect. The leaves are also recognized for their depurative properties, aiding detoxification.
Other Practical Applications
The Asiatic dayflower’s utility extends beyond direct human consumption and medicinal applications. It can produce a natural dye; its petals yield a vibrant blue pigment. This blue dye was historically used in Japanese art, particularly in the creation of Ukiyo-e woodcuts during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
In China and India, the plant serves as a fodder crop for animals, indicating its potential as a sustainable feed source. The plant’s ecological role also includes its ability to bioaccumulate certain metals, suggesting application in revegetating and cleaning contaminated sites, such as copper mines.
Important Considerations and Identification
Identification of the Asiatic dayflower is important before considering its use. The plant is an herbaceous annual with stems that can sprawl or stand erect, reaching up to 3 feet in height. Its leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, and feature parallel veins, often clasping the stem with a membranous sheath. The distinctive flowers have two large, bright blue petals and one very small white petal, typically blooming for only a single day from summer through fall.
While the Asiatic dayflower is considered safe for consumption, be aware of potential look-alikes, such as the native slender dayflower (Commelina erecta). When harvesting, choose plants from clean environments, away from roadsides, agricultural runoff, or industrial areas to avoid pollutants. Some individuals might experience allergies, and the plant contains oxalates, particularly in older leaves, which can be reduced by cooking. For any medicinal applications, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.