Greek geo – the earth, geneus – of a particular type, anthos – a flower; referring to the habit of flowering from the base of the plant.

Perennial, short stemmed creeping herb. Leaves few, clustered at stem apex. Cymes borne near the base of the plant, few-flowered. Flowers bilaterally symmetrical. Sepals and petals free. Stamens 5, 3 short, hairy, 2 long, hairless. Fruit a dry dehiscent capsule.

Grown for the attractive leaves.

Cuttings.

The patterned leaves and asymmetrical flowers borne near the ground.

2-3 species from tropical America.

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Commelinaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.