Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), fam. Commelinaceae.
   Related to spiderwort, but one of its three petals is small and pale. Has ornamental qualities, but can also spread as a self-sowing weed. The whole plant is annual and usually propagated from the seeds, but the root tubers, dug out in autumn, are possible to store until the next spring. And its flowers live only one day, so in the evening or even by noon of a hot day they close, though they do not dry, but, on the contrary, turn into a slimy droplet.
   Both roots and aboveground part of the plant are edible, but only in small quantities, since they contain acrid oxalates. The plant has antibacterial, wound-healing and diuretic properties.

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