That's fascinating, rhizo_1 - although this plant doesn't grow outdoors in the UK I have seen it many times abroad and never noticed any fragrance. I actually have a pretty acute sense of smell so I must sniff harder next time I see one. Do you think different specimens might have a different amount of fragrance?

Very pretty! We are not snow-bound here. But we have had lows in the teens. One night it was 15. I have yet to venture out to see what was killed. we have not had that low in about 15 years. I would love to grow the large callas like I saw in N. Cal. in 2002. I have a few, but not near as huge as those I saw. I have admired your front yard for years. My problem at this house is lots of spots of shade until late afternoon and then the sun fries so many things. My street curves at just the wrong angle and late sun shines down the middle of the street until my yard. Kathy

Clearly a Commelina, but it doesn't look like the Commelina communis that I've seen, those having longer, narrower leaves that are pointed at the tip, as well as generally being much larger plants than your pictures seem to indicate. A search on the USDA PLANTS Database also shows that Commelina communis isn't reported to occur in California. Only one species is reported in California, Commelina benghalensis, which is listed as a noxious weed by the state of California. So presumably that's what you have. I've linked a web page (from Hawaii) with information about that species, which has pictures showing that the leaf shape matches yours closely. Patrick Alexander Here is a link that might be useful: hear.org: Commelina benghalensis

Good going Ron B. I might test your skills when I can snap a photo of a newly spotted purple flowering shrub adjacent to my yard. You are really an asset to the forum!