species 18,874 observations
Moses-in-the-cradle
Tradescantia spathacea
Field notes
Tradescantia spathacea, also called the oyster plant, boatlily or 'Moses-in-the-cradle', is a herb in the Commelinaceae family which was first described in 1788. It is native to Central America.
The plant's common name "Moses in the Cradle" is due to its small, white flowers within a boat-shaped, purple bract that resembles a cradle, which is a visual resemblance to the biblical story of Moses in the bulrushes, where he was placed in a basket.
Read more on WikipediaRange
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Ground covers
- Light
- Full sun Part shade
- Moisture
- Dry Well drained Moist
- Drought tolerant
- Yes
- Plant type
- Ground cover Herbaceous perennial Houseplant Poisonous
From NC State Extension.