Perennial herb with tuberous fusiform fleshy roots; stem creeping or straggling. Leaves arranged spirally, simple; leaf sheaths 0.8–3 cm long, with purple tinge, ciliate along the free margins; blade generally lanceolate, 6–11.5 cm × 1.2–2.2 cm, apex acute, glabrous except for the ciliate margins, rarely sparsely hairy, veins parallel. Inflorescence a leaf-opposed cyme; peduncle 8–40 mm long; spathe 0.9–2.4 cm long, margins free, glabrous except for the ciliate margins. Flowers bisexual, zygomorphic, yellow, rarely protruding from the spathe; lower petal linear-lanceolate, c. 5 mm × 2 mm, paired petals with claw 3–4 mm long, lamina broader than long, c. 4 mm × 6 mm; upper three stamens sterile, with cross-shaped anthers, medial stamen with filament 4–6 mm long and anther 1.5–2 mm long, the two lateral (lower) stamens with smaller anthers. Fruit a capsule 5–6 mm long, 3-celled, 3–5-seeded, the 2 ventral locules each 1(–2)-seeded (by abortion of the lower ovules) and dehiscent, the dorsal locule 1-seeded, indehiscent. Seeds variable in size, cylindrical-rectangular in outline, 2.2–3.5 mm × 1.3–2 mm, dark brown; testa rough (farinose granules) and pitted; hilum small, round.

Antipyretic and sedative (plant); anodyne (root)

PROTAbase: Commelina africana

Chemistry

Pharmacology

Medicinal Use

An infusion of the plant is used as a wash to reduce fever. A decoction of the plant with Tephrosia capensis Pers. is used for treatment of a ‘weak heart’ and nervousness. The root is also used for the same purpose. The plant cooked with Haplocarpha scaposa Harv., Helichrysum pilosellum (L.f.) Less. or the root of Cotyledon decussata Sims is given as medicine to young women to cure infertility. An infusion of the plant is drunk and its ash is rubbed over the loins as a fertility charm. A cold infusion of the plant is used to bathe the body, especially of a child, in cases of restless sleeping. Similarly, an infusion of the leaves is sprinkled over the resting place of a restless child. Pounded stalks are used to treat colds and coughs in children. Fluid from the spathes is applied locally to cure eye diseases. A concoction of the root is used as treatment for venereal diseases and to treat women with menstrual cramps. This preparation is also used for pelvic pains and bladder complaints.

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