Peruvian Spiderwort (Commelina elliptica)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a light well-drained loam with added leafmold. Plants are hardy to about -10°c if the roots are protected from freezing. This species is closely related to C. tuberosa.
Propagation
Seed - sow March in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 4 - 5 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring. Make sure that each portion has at least one growing bud[111, K]. Cuttings during the growing season. Very easy.
Edible uses
The following use is for the closely related C. tuberosa, but is also probably appropriate for this species[K]. Tubers - cooked. Rich in starch, but with a fairly bland flavour.
Habitat
Not known
Native range
South-western N. America - mountains of Mexico and south to Peru and Bolivia.