Family: Commelinaceae

Few species of this genus of about 25 evergreen perennials from tropical America are cultivated, though they should be more widely known as they are ideal for warm conservatories. they grow from fleshy roots, producing soft, cane-like growth, large, glossy leaves and showy flower spikes.

Species

D. thyrsiflora grows 1.5 m (5 ft) or more high. The foliage is deep, glossy green and the rich, royal blue to purple flowers appear through midsummer to autumn.

Dichorisandra is an excellent perennial for growing under tall trees.

Cultivation

As these are tropical plants they are grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in cool and cold climates. Use a soil-based pot­ting compost, and grow the plants in good light but shaded from direct sun. They like a humid atmosphere. In the winter, keep the compost only slightly moist but water abundantly in summer. Propagation is by division in spring or from cuttings at any time of year.

Climate

Must be grown in frost-free conditions in warm areas.