| Commelina madagascarica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A mass of Commelina madagascarica | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Commelinales |
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Genus: | Commelina |
| Species: | C. madagascarica |
| Binomial name | |
| Commelina madagascarica C.B. Clarke | |
Commelina madagascarica is a monocotyledonous, herbaceous plant in the dayflower family from Madagascar. [1] It is commonly known as nifin'akanga in Madagascar, [2] where it is used medicinally as an abortifacient, [3] a galactogogue, [4] and a treatment for conjunctivitis [5] and acne. [4] [3] [6] It is also used for ritual purposes in joro or ancestral invocation around the Lake Alaotra region. [7]
It has delicate, richly blue flowers, narrow leaves, and bushy stems. [8] [9] Its roots are fibrous, fleshy, and fusiform. These roots, and the plant's buried rhizome, make it very resistant to prairie fires. [9]
The species was first described by Charles Baron Clarke in 1881. [10] Commelina madagascarica is one of the most common plants found in the pseudo-steppe grasslands formed anthropogenically by grass fires in Isalo Massif. [11] Generally, it is common to dry prairies and rocky areas between 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) and 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) above sea level. [9]
The Malagasy abortion-rights group Nifin'akanga takes its name from the plant, since it is commonly used in illicit abortions. [12] [13]
