Spathe morphology of Commelina L. (Commelinaceae) of India in relation to Taxonomy

Abstract

Commelina L., the largest genus of Commelinaceae, is easily distinguished from related genera by inflorescence subtended in a folded bract (spathe). The position, number, size, shape, hairiness, cincinnus number and peduncle length of the spathe are useful in species delimitation . In the present investigation, twenty four species of Commelina occurring in India are studied for spathe characters and their significance in taxonomy is discussed. A key for the identification of all species based on spathe characters is also provided.