Commelinaceae - Spiderworts
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The Commelinaceae is a family of 40 genera and over 600 species of monocotyledenous flowering herbs, distributed from Northern temperate to tropical climates.
Succulence is common and stems may be thickened often with nodal swellings. The alternate simple parallel-veined leaves sheath the stem at their base. Sap may be slimy and mucillaginous. The short-lived (common name: "Dayflower") bisexual flowers are often blue. They generally have three-fold symmetry, with three green sepals, three petals, six or fewer stamens and often three locules in the superior ovary which develops into a capsule. Many species have hairy stamen filaments. Nectaries are absent and the flowers do not produce nectar.
Many species are cultivated for decorative effect as garden ornamentals or houseplants. The genus Tradescantia contains many tender trailing succulent species with thickened stems, some with fleshy and hairy leaves.
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Plant Families with Succulent Species