Erect short stemmed herb. Leaves rosulate, linear-lanceolate 20-35 cm, glabrous, green above purple below. Inflorescences axillary, bracts boat-shaped. Flowers enclosed, white; year round. [Rhoeo spathacea (Sw.) Stearn, Rhoeo discolor (L'Hérit.) Hance]

Central America

Naturalised in eastern Australia.

Widely cultivated ornamental for shady moist places.

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.