Tradescantia spathacea, theboatlily[1]orMoses-in-the-Cradle, is a herb in theCommelinaceaefirst described in 1788. It is native toBelize,Guatemala, and southernMexico(Chiapas,Tabasco, and theYucatán Peninsula) but widely cultivated as an ornamental and naturalized in parts ofFlorida,Texas,Hawaii, and various oceanic islands.[2][3][4]Tradescantia spathaceahas fleshy rhizomes and rosettes of waxy lance-shaped leaves. Leaves are dark to metallic green above, with glossy purple underneath. These will reach up to 1foot (30 cm) long by 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. They are very attractive foliage plants that will reach 1 foot (30 cm) tall. Theyare hardy inUSDA zones 9-12