Cleome rutidosperma

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  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Cleome rutidosperma
  • Genus: Cleome
  • Synonym: Cleome rutidosperma var. hainanensis J.L.Shan.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Fringed spider flower or purple cleome.
  • Family: Cleomaceae
  • Botanical Description: Cleome rutidosperma is an annual herb that typically grows to a height of 20-80 cm (about 8-31 inches). It has a somewhat sprawling growth habit with branches spreading outwards. The stems are usually green to purple, glandular, and sticky with glandular hairs that release a distinctive smell when crushed. The leaves are palmately compound with 3-5 leaflets that are thin, lanceolate, and serrated. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. They are slightly sticky due to the presence of glands and are green in color, sometimes with purplish hues. The plant produces small, attractive flowers clustered at the end of stems in a raceme-like inflorescence. Flowers are typically light purple to pink with long, protruding stamens that give them a spider-like appearance, hence the common name "spider flower." Flowering Season: Cleome rutidosperma flowers prolifically and can be found blooming in warm months, usually from spring through fall in temperate climates, or nearly year-round in its native tropical settings.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering from May to September.
  • Plant Uses: Ornamental Use and Traditional Medicine.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: Wazobia Complex Rumuosi Rivers State.
  • Habit: Herb
  • Mode: Wild

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