Belosynapsis moluccana (PROSEA)

Plant Resources of South-East Asia Introduction

List of species

Belosynapsis moluccana (L.) Fischer

Family: Commelinaceae

Synonyms

• Commelina moluccana Roxb.,
• Cyanotis moluccana (Roxb.) Merrill.

Vernacular names

• Indonesia: gewor, tali (in common with other Commelinaceae)
• Philippines: kuwan-kuwan-matug (Pint.-Sambali).

Distribution

Native to the Moluccas, but occurs also in the Philippines, New Guinea, Borneo and Java.

Uses

Leaves and stems are used as a vegetable in the highlands of New Guinea. The plant also provides a good fodder.

Observations

• Herb up to 30 cm tall, ascending from a decumbent base, branched.
• Leaf sheathing at base; leaf-blade ovate-oblong, 1-3.5 cm × 0.5-1 cm, ciliate.
• Flowers actinomorphic, blue, solitary, terminal; petals free.

In humid places, e.g. in ravines, along small streams, at low and medium altitudes. In Papua New Guinea locally cultivated and propagated by cuttings.

Selected sources

7, 29, 60.