*Commelina benghalensis Linnaeus. Tropical Spiderwort, Bengal Dayflower. Hab: Fields. Dist: Native of tropical s. Asia and becoming a serious weed. This annual, pantropical weed is well established in FL and s. GA (Faden 1993)

Origin/Endemic status: E. and se. Asia

Other Comments: Spot infestations have been reported in NC (Wayne County), SC (Beaufort, Dorchester, Edgefield, Orangeburg, Pickens counties), AL (Barger et al. 2012), and MS as well. "This annual species can be recognized by: its funnelform spathes that are often clustered; relatively broad leaves that frequently have red hairs at the summit of the sheath; and cleistogamous flowers that are borne at the base of the plant and are usually subterranean (in addition to normal, aerial, chasmogamous flowers)" (Faden 1993).

Synonymy: = FNA22, K1, K4, WH3, Faden (1993); = n/a – C, RAB

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU