[permaculture-oceania] WANDERING WHATEVER

[P Ferguson]

FAITH WROTE:
There has been a fair bit of research done with regard to wandering jew
under citrus trees... .... obviously the native version (commelina sp.) 
would be a more appropriate choice than
the exotic version which can become a weed, however even this has been
used to good effect in commercial orchards where access corridors create
a strong distinction between sun and shade and keep the understorey in
its place - under the trees.

I know the native blue flowered wanderer as Tradescantia [aka spiderwort]
and the white flowered introduction by the same name.  I have always 
foundboth
invasive and a nuisance; skin allergies in dogs are often attributed to it.

When I keyed in 'commelina' I got a list of  plants which look similar 
found by people all
over the world.   Most commented on the bright blue flower.  There were 7 
neutrals, 5 positives and
only two negative comments.  Even the neutrals described it as invasive.

There was one suggestion that it is edible, raw leaves in salads.
A bit more info might be advisable before trying that.  A pH test should 
show if it is acidic.

P Ferguson
Illawarra NSW