Commelina scaberrima Blume, Enum. Pl. Javae 1: 4. 1827; Aneilema protensum Wallich ex C. B. Clarke; Dictyospermum scaberrimum (Blume) J. K. Morton ex D. Y. Hong; Floscopa bambusifolia H. Léveillé.

Rhizomes long, branched. Stems creeping proximally, ascending distally, 50--100 cm; branches subglabrous proximally, glandular pubescent distally. Leaf sheaths 2--4 cm, pubescent; petiole short or absent; leaf blade ovate-lanceolate, (5--)10--18 × 2--4.5 cm, strigose adaxially, apex acuminate. Cincinni lax, elon-gate, often several forming a terminal umbel; involucral bracts narrowly oblong or ovate-orbicular, less than 10 mm, glabrous; bracts small, membranous, enveloping cincinnus axis; pedicels slender, 1--1.5 cm. Sepals green, boat-shaped, ca. 2 mm, herbaceous, glabrous, persistent. Petals pale lilac or blue. Capsule subglobose, more than 3 mm in diam., densely covered with apically hooked, glandular hairs. Seeds gray-blue, rugose. Fl. and fr. (Jun--)Aug--Nov.

Ravine forests; 800--2100 m. Guangdong (Wentang Shan), E and W Guangxi (He Xian, Jingxi Xian), SW Guizhou (Ceheng Xian), Hainan (Baoting Xian, Qiongzhong Xian), Taiwan, SE Xizang (Mêdog Xian), S and W Yunnan [Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam].