14 Jan Trad
Tradescantia albiflora, T. zebrina, T. spathecea
This shade loving, weak rooted herb is
often the cause of skin irritations in dogs.
Many other forms of Tradescantia are
well known garden plants including the
popular “Moses in the cradle” (Rhoeo).
Family: Commelinaceae
Origin: South America
Habit: Weak, perennial, creeping succulent herb, rooting from distinct
nodes. Grows vigorously, layering and smothering low native
ground covers. Shade tolerant and moisture loving.
Leaves: Simple, alternate, ovate leaves that are glossy and dark green,
to 6cm long. Slightly fleshy.
Flowers: Small (1-2cm) white flowers, with three petals and six hairy
stamens. Spring-Summer.
Fruit: Papery capsule, seed not viable in Australia.
Roots: Stolons form underground, with weak, shallow roots forming
at nodes.
Dispersal: Main method of reproduction is vegetative where by stem
fragments re-root. Stem fragments spread by water, and
contaminated soil (green waste dumping, earth moving etc).
Common in watercourses.
Control: Hand pull/dig, bagging all plant parts and removing from
site. Foliar spray.
Similar native species: Commelina cyanea (pic. bottom R). This native ground
cover has hairy leaf sheaths, blue flowers and a strong primary root system.