Named for John Tradescant (1608–1662), gardener to Charles I of England.
Perennial, branched, erect or spreading herbs. Inflorescences mostly terminal paired cymes subtended by paired bracts. Flowers radially symmetrical. Sepals 3 free. Petals 3 free or united basally, blue-violet. purple, pink or white. Stamens 6. Fruit a dehiscent capsule. [Rhoeo Walp., Zebrina Schnizl., Setcreasea Sydow]
Several species are decorative foliage plants for the house or greenhouse.
About 65 species from North and South America. 3 species are naturalised in Australia.
Hunt (1988), Audas & Morris (1925), Conran (1994).
Source: (2005). Commelinaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.