Synonym(s): Tradescantia pellucida
Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Herb
Gibasis pellucida has often been confused with G. geniculata, the only other commonly cultivated species; the leaves of G. geniculata are more pubescent, however, and its filaments are bearded only at the base. For about 10 years G. pellucida was known as G. schiedeana.
Leaves 2-ranked, blade lanceolate-oblong, 4.5--7 cm. Inflorescences terminal. Flowers: sepals keeled, 2.5--3 mm, glabrous; petals white, 4 mm; filaments bearded at base and distal to middle.
Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Dotted bridalveil.
Ecological Threat: Observations of spread and invasive potential in Florida are similar to Texas reports, where G. pellucida escapes from cultivation, establishes and spreads rapidly. Although G. pellucida has yet to be documented altering native plant communities on a large scale, there is reason for concern because of its similarity in biology and growth with another invasive Commelinaceae, the small leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.)
Biology & Spread: Gibasis pellucida spreads primarily vegetatively by rooting at the nodes
History: Originally introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant. It has become invasive, specifically in Texas and Florida.
U.S. Habitat: In riparian or disturbed areas underneath broken to closed-canopy forests.
U.S. Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: Mexico
U.S. Present: FL, PR, TX
Distribution in Texas: Limited reports in Houston and San Antonio areas.
Invaders of Texas Map: Gibasis pellucida
EDDMapS: Gibasis pellucida
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Gibasis pellucida
List All Observations of Gibasis pellucida reported by Citizen Scientists
Data showed glufosinate and triclopyr (acid and amine) provided the highest level of control (100% or complete control) and shoot fresh weight reduction; next was 2,4-D รพ triclopyr (~70%), then fluroxypyr (~50% control). Both Metsulfuron-methyl and 2,4-D provided the lowest level of control, with similar results to non-treated plants. Yu, P. Marble, S.C. and P. Minogue. 2022.
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.Fantz PR, Nelson P. 1995. Nomenclature of Tahitian bridal veil. HortTechnol 5:144-146
Rosen DJ, Faden RB. 2005. Gibasis pellucida (Commelinaceae), a new and potentially weedy genus and species for Texas. SIDA, Contrib Bot 21: 1931-1934
Yu P, Marble SC, Minogue P. 2022. Herbicide selection for controlling Tahitian bridal veil (Gibasis pellucida). Invasive Plant Science and Management 15(4):194-198. doi:10.1017/inp.2022.25
USDA. PLANTS Database.
Flora of North America. eFlora.org. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=222000071.
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