Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) under a palm tree on Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015Commelina acuminata, Commelina canescens, Commelina cavaleriei, Commelina cucullata, Commelina delicatula, Commelina hirsuta, Commelina kilimandscharica, Commelina mollis, Commelina nervosa, Commelina obscura, Commelina poligama, Commelina procurrens, Commelina prostrata, Commelina pyrrhoblepharis, Commelina radiciflora, Commelina rhizocarpa, Commelina rufociliata, Commelina saltiana, Commelina senegalensis, Commelina turbinata, Commelina uncata, Commelina villosiuscula
Benghal dayflower, Ibreeq al faki, tropical spiderwort
Commelina benghalensis, commonly known as the Benghal dayflower, tropical spiderwort, or wandering Jew, kanshira in Bengali, is a perennial herb native to tropical Asia and Africa. It has been widely introduced to areas outside its native range, including to the neotropics, Hawaii, the West Indies and to both coasts of North America. It flowers from spring into the fall and is often associated with disturbed soils.[+]
Commelina benghalensis, also known as the Benghal dayflower, is a perennial herb native to tropical Asia and Africa. In Qatar, it has been found to grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and construction sites, where moisture is available. This adaptable plant can thrive in a variety of environments, making it an invasive species in some regions. Its presence in Qatar highlights the country's role as a hub for non-native species introduction due to its global trade connections and arid climate that can sometimes support unusual plant growth when water becomes more readily available through human activity.
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) under a palm tree on Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Node on a stem of Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) on Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Blue flower of Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) on Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) taken from a shady place under a palm at Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) with boat-shaped bracts taken from Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Close up of a blue flower of Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) taken from Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) on white background taken from Al Rabiya Street in Al Jebailat area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, May 7, 2015
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) on a lawn under trees near HSM Villa on Al Eithar Street in Onaiza area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, August 19, 2015
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) taken from a lawn under trees near HSM Villa on Al Eithar Street in Onaiza area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, October 20, 2015
Blooming Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) taken from a lawn under trees near HSM Villa on Al Eithar Street in Onaiza area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, October 20, 2015
Flowers of Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) on a lawn in shade near HSM Villa on Al Eithar Street in Onaiza area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, December 1, 2015
Benghal dayflower (tropical spiderwort, Commelina benghalensis) on a lawn in shade near HSM Villa on Al Eithar Street in Onaiza area near West Bay. Doha, Qatar, December 1, 2015Commelina benghalensis was observed growing under palm trees and on lawns in shady areas of Doha, Qatar. The plant had blue flowers with boat-shaped bracts and nodes on its stems. It was found in the Al Jebailat area near West Bay in May 2015, and later in the Onaiza area near West Bay from August to December 2015. The plant bloomed throughout the year, with observations of flowering recorded in May, October, and December. It grew well in shady conditions, including under trees and on lawns with partial shade. The flowers were typically blue, and the plant had a spreading habit, forming a mat on the ground. Overall, Commelina benghalensis appeared to be a common and adaptable species in Qatar's urban landscapes.
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QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.