Commelina africana aka Wandering Jew

Commelina africana is a small herb that lives for years. It belongs to the Commelinaceae family. Its native range spans Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It also grows on Madagascar. In Africa, it grows from Sierra Leone east to Somalia. Its range reaches as far south as South Africa. Kew places it in the tropics with a dry season. People gather wild plants for food and folk medicine.

The plant's form varies across its range. Its stems creep along the ground, though some branches stand upright. Below ground, it has a thickened mass of fibrous roots. Useful Tropical Plants lists its height as about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres]. The sources give no mature spread for garden plants. They give no leaf shape or flower colour for this species. Bees pollinate its flowers. The evidence does not state when it blooms.

This species grows in open sites with plenty of sun. It grows on disturbed ground and where plants regrow after clearance. Farmers also find it as a weed in their fields. It grows from sea level to about 5,906 feet [1,800 metres]. Its sites in Tanzania get 900–1,900 millimetres of rain each year. In gardens, it prefers full sun and grows well in sandy loam. Sandy clay loam suits it too. Once established, plants can cope with drought despite growing in moist places. New shoots appear soon after the rains start. This provides leaves before many crops grown as vegetables are ready. The sources list seed as a way to grow new plants. They give no frost limits or hardiness zones.

People cook the leaves as a vegetable, rather than eat them raw. They chop them, then boil them in water or milk. The milk may be fresh or sour. The dish may include sesame or groundnut paste. People serve the cooked leaves with a staple food. They also use them when greens they prefer are scarce. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety for pets or every use.

Folk medicine uses the roots, stems and whole plant. It also uses fluid from the spathes. Reported uses cover urinary and menstrual problems. They also include fever, coughs and eye problems. These records show folk use, not proof that treatments work. The plant has a recorded role in local food and medicine. It grows among crops, so it has some weed potential. The evidence names no pests or diseases that affect this species.