Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: basket plant, chain plant, false bromeliad plant, inch plant

Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort)

Distribution: Mexico

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Life form: Evergreen perennial

Usage: Horticultural, Medicinal

Comments: It has a folklore reputation as an antiviral and antimicrobial plant, and research provided support for this use. In Eastern Europe it used for treatment of various skin diseases, burns and joint disorders.
This is a tough, drought resistant groundcover for mild, moderately dry climates, or a nice container or hanging basket plant, however the species can be an aggressive invasive weed in subtropical areas forming dense spreading ground-cover that can rapidly overtake bushland areas, crowding out native species.