This species is closely related to Commelina tuberosa[], and considered to be no more than a synonym of that species by some authorities.

Common Name:

General Information

Commelina elliptica is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant with a tuberous rootstock. It grows about 10cm tall.
The edile tubers are sometimes gathered from the wild for local use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

South-western N. America - mountains of Mexico and south to Peru and Bolivia.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Commelina elliptica is hardy to about -10°c if the roots are protected from freezing[]. In temperate climates, the roots are best dug up in the autumn and stored like dahlia tubers in a cool frost free place[]. In milder regions of the temperate zone, if the plants are grown in a light well-drained soil and mulched well, the roots will usually survive the winter outdoors[].
Prefers a light well-drained loam with added leafmold[]. Succeeds in an ordinary, reasonably moist soil in a sunny position with some shelter[].

Edible Uses

The following use is for the closely related C. tuberosa, but is also probably appropriate for this species[].

Tubers - cooked. Rich in starch[, ], but with a fairly bland flavour.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring 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[, ].
Cuttings during the growing season. Very easy[].