Commelinaceae (weeds)
Commelinaceae (weeds) - (spiderwort family)
This family contains more than 700 species of herbaceous monocots. They are found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. While some species are grown as ornamentals, a number of species are agricultural weeds, affecting crops like maize or soybean. Benghal dayflower, Commelina benghalensis is, for example, an important weed in the Americas.
The plants are characterized by their leaf sheaths which surround the stem similar as in grasses. The flowers occur in groups and are either radially symmetric or zygomorphic, usually with 3 or 6 petals and without nectar. The plants can be climbing or crawling.
For details see the respective page in Wikipedia.
The following genera are currently entered under this family:
