Rat's-ear

Commelina forskaolii, sometimes known as rat's ear, is an herbaceous plant in the dayflower family native to much of Africa, Arabia, and India. It has also been introduced to Florida in the United States. It is considered a common species in most of its range. It can be easily recognized by its bright blue flowers with winged stamen filaments. The seeds are also distinctive with distinctive irregular ridges on their sides. It often forms dense mats, and can be found most commonly in sandy soils in at least somewhat sunny situations. The species is considered a weed in many areas because of its hardiness and ability to produce cleistogamous flowers.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Rat's-ear being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Commelina eckloniana
• Commelina schomburgkiana
• Commelina diffusa
• Commelina benghalensis
• Commelina cyanea
• Commelina tuberosa

Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Tracheophyta

Class

Liliopsida

Order

Commelinales

Family

Commelinaceae

Genus

Commelina

Species

Commelina forskaolii

More species