My neighbor gave me this plant many years ago. She did not know the name because it was given to her many years ago fom an older relative. Does anyone know the proper name for this plant? Thanks!
Tradescantia spathacea (sometimes still known by the obsolete name Rhoeo spathacea). Common name is Moses in the cradle, because of the flowers' growth habit.
That's almost certainly what it is, but I don't recall seeing it so leggy--outdoors in full sun, it's a compact rosette. Floridata has good coverage.
Hi Dave, Actually, this plant is in my kitchen near a window, which might explain the growth. I too initially questioned the identification because of the growth pattern, but eventually saw several pictures on the internet that looked exactly like my plant. I think the thing that nailed it for me was the formation of the flower bud deep inside the leaf crevices.
The flowers in their little "boats" are distinctive. My childhood memories of the plant are that it would make carpets on almost-bare limestone outcrops in Puerto Rico, where it's native, and of course was an easy plant to set out in beds. Here in Florida it isn't native, but is invasive. I recall a neglected house whose carport had a flat roof carpeted with it, and occasionally you'll see plants growing up in trees.
