• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.58-65
• /
• 2011

Commelina benghalensis L. and Commelina diffusa Burm. f. belonging to Commelinaceae, two species previously unrecorded as Korean flora, were collected in the lowlands of Jeju Island in Korea. Commelina benghalensis of the two species is different from others of Commelinaceae in Korea by having funnelform spathes fused at the proximal margin of involucral bracts and cleistogamous flowers. In addition, Commelina diffusa differ from others by having a three-valve capsule and lanceolate and a base cordate or rounded spathelike involucral bracts. The somatic chromosome number of Commelina benghalensis was 2n = 2x = 22 and the sizes of chromosomes were very small, ranging from 1.25 to 2.70 ${\mu}m$. However, the Commelina diffusa chromosome number exceeded 2n = ca. 100, and a precise count could not be obtained. These species are known to be distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa below the latitude of Jeju Island of Korea.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.42-47
• /
• 1998

The experiment was conducted to study the growth, developmental pattern, and seed production of Commelina benghalensis L. grown from four seed types; large and small aerial seeds, and large and small underground seeds. Plants from the four seed types differed in growth rate. Based on dry weight and leaf area, plants from large underground seeds emerged and grew faster in the first 2-4 weeks after seeding(WAS) but plants from small aerial seeds grew faster during the 4-6 WAS; thereafter, there was no significant difference in growth rate among plants from the four seed types. Based on seed production, plants from large aerial seed produced more seeds(1473) than those from small seeds(1006). Small aerial types represented 75-77% of the total seed production, large aerial seed 21-23%; only 2-4% were underground seeds. The results suggest that the plants from large underground seeds might have better competitive ability Than those of small aerial seeds during the early growth stage due to faster germination and higher dry matter production.