The Beautiful But Troublesome Bengal Dayflower
Commelina benghalensis is a fast-growing, herbaceous plant belonging to the Commelinaceae family. Native to tropical Asia and Africa, it has spread to many parts of the world, especially in warmer climates. The plant gets its name “dayflower” from the fleeting nature of its blooms—each blossom typically lasts only one day.The Bengal dayflower is a creeping or ascending plant, often forming dense mats. Its most distinctive feature is its flower: a striking, delicate trio of petals—two bright blue upper petals and a smaller, often translucent lower petal. The flowers are about 1–1.5 cm in diameter and appear mostly in the early morning, closing by midday. The leaves are ovate and smooth, and the plant spreads via creeping stems that root at the nodes.
While the flower itself is undeniably charming, Commelina benghalensis is classified as a noxious weed in many countries, including the United States. In agriculture, it poses a serious threat to crops like cotton, soybeans, and maize by competing for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Its resistance to certain herbicides has made it even more problematic for farmers.
Device Information
| Device | Redmi 14 Pro Plus |
|---|---|
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| Edit | Lightroom CC |
| Captured by | @pioneerjeff |
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