Origin
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis belongs to the family Commelinaceae and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Benghal dayflower, white mouth dayflower, tropical spiderwort, slender dayflower or Bengali spiderwort.
Appearance
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis is a sprawling herbaceous perennial plant that typically reaches up to 60 cm tall. The plant has a shallow root system and a fibrous stem that is often purplish in color and bears alternate and linear leaves that are up to 8 cm long and 1.6 cm wide.
Benghal dayflower has small, three-petaled flowers that are blue, purple, or white in color, and bloom from late spring through fall. The plant produces capsule fruits that contain seeds and can produce numerous offspring through self-seeding.
Uses
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis has various uses in traditional medicine, as it has been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, headache, eye infections, and snake bites.
Benghal dayflower is also used in agriculture as a green manure crop due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. In addition, the plant has been used as animal fodder and is a common weed in agricultural fields, gardens, and disturbed areas, and is known for its invasive nature.
Light Requirements
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis is a warm-season plant that requires full sun exposure to grow vigorously. This plant cannot survive in partial sun or shade environments.
Temperature Requirements
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis thrives in warm temperatures between 20 and 30°C. It is intolerant of frost and cannot grow in freezing conditions.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-drained soil with high organic matter content. The soil should have a pH between 5.0 and 7.0. It can grow in a variety of soil types from loamy to clay soils. However, the plant is intolerant of waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant is adaptable to many types of soils, but it needs to be kept moist. It can grow in full sunlight or partial shade and prefers warm temperatures of around 70-80°F.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure the soil has adequate drainage. One should water the plant once the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis thrives in nutrient-rich soil. Fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is beneficial for the growth of the plant. One can fertilize the plant every two to three months during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis is not necessary, but it can help keep the plant tidy and well-shaped. One should remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage to promote the growth of new, healthy foliage. One can also cut back any excessively long or leggy stems to encourage branching and a more compact growth habit.
Propagation of Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Here are some methods:
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis can be used for sexual propagation. They should be sown in well-draining soil during the onset of monsoon season. The seeds will germinate within a week or two, and the seedlings should be transplanted to their final positions when they have developed three or four leaves.
Asexual Propagation
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis can be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the plant's healthy, mature stems, and placed in a rooting hormone. These cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture with proper moisture. The cutting should root within 2-3 weeks, and it should be transplanted to its final position when it has developed a sturdy root system and new leaves.
The plant can also be propagated through rhizomes. The rhizomes can be dug out from the mother plant and planted in their desired location, ensuring that they are well-watered and have good drainage systems. The new plant will sprout from the rhizome and develop a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis Plant
Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis, commonly known as Bengal dayflower, is a tropical weed that belongs to the Commelinaceae family. This plant is vulnerable to several types of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Therefore, appropriate management strategies are required to control these disease and pest infestations.
Common Diseases of Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis
Several types of fungal and viral diseases can affect the leaves, stem, and root of Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis. Some of the common diseases are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, water-soaked lesions on the leaves and stem of the plant, which eventually turn into sunken necrotic spots. To manage this disease, affected plants should be removed, and fungicides should also be applied.
- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves and stem of the plant. Infected plants should be removed, and crop rotation should be practiced to prevent this disease from reoccurring.
- Mosaic virus: This viral disease is characterized by yellowing and mottling of the leaves. To prevent this virus, avoid planting infected plants, and control aphid populations in the garden.
Common Pests of Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis
Several insect pests can affect Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis, such as:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. They cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage to the foliage. To manage this pest, handpicking and removal of caterpillars is recommended. Alternatively, Bacillus thuringiensis can be used to control caterpillar infestations.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white, moth-like insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage this pest, application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
Overall, proper sanitary practices, such as crop rotation, regular removal of dead or affected plant material, and maintaining environmental conditions unsuitable for pests and diseases, are key to managing the health of Commelina benghalensis L. var. benghalensis.
