Latin gibbus – swollen, Greek basis – base, referring to the swollen base of the sepals.

Perennial tufted or creeping herbs. Leaves alternate, sheathing. Cymes stalked, in pairs or umbels, bracts small, overlapping. Flowers symmetrical. Sepals and petals free. Stamens 6, all fertile, bearded. Fruit a dry dehiscent capsule.

The popular G. geniculata is used as a hanging basket plant.

Cuttings

Trailing habit, open cymes and flowers with ciliate petals.

11 species mostly from Mexico, one throughout tropical America.

Hunt (1986).

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.