Family Commelinaceae

Oyster Plant Family

HAWAII - NATURALIZED

Commelina diffusa

Hoomaluhia, Kaneohe, Oahu

HONOHONO

Succulent creeping herb forming ground cover in disturbed mesic or wet sites.  Leaf sheaths covered with long white hairs.  Native to Tropical Africa & Asia.

Commelina benghalensis

Makapu'u Lighthouse Road, Oahu

HAIRY HONOHONO

Succulent creeping herb that roots at the nodes.  Inhabits shady disturbed sites in dry & mesic lowlands.  Leaf sheaths covered with long rust-colored hairs.  Native to Tropical Africa & Asia.

Tradescantia zebrina

Nu'uanu Pali, Oahu

WANDERING JEW

Ornamental ground cover naturalized in wet shady areas.  Native to Central America.

HAWAII - CULTIVATED

Tradescantia spathacea

Waimanalo, Oahu

OYSTER PLANT

Ornamental ground cover in gardens.  Poisonous sap causes severe rash in mammals.  Native to Central America.

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