Spiderwort (Tradescantia)

   Spiderwort (Tradescantia), fam. Commelinaceae.
   Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is grown in the garden beds of the city. It is easily distinguished from most other plants by its three-petal flowers, which do not fade in the end of the day, but, on the contrary, transform into semiliquid substance. Another plant, Wandering Jew (Setcreasea purpurea = Tradescantia pallida), behaves similarly; it is usually grown indoors, shown in the last photo.
   The leaves may be used to heal wounds (like those of plantain). They are edible, though rather acrid; domestic pets often eat them, craving for vitamins. They are also used against diabetes, flatulence, and tuberculosis.

Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) Wandering Jew (Tradescantia pallida, Setcreasea purpurea)