African Spider Flower, Spiderwisp

Cleome gynandra

Physical Characteristics

Cleome gynandra is a ANNUAL growing to 1.3 m (4ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical and Sub-Tropical zones.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Febrifuge Rubefacient Stings A decoction of the root is used to treat fevers[243, 272]. The juice of the root is used to relieve scorpion stings[272]. The leaves, applied as a poultice, are used as a vesicant and rubefacient in the treatment of rheumatism[243, 272]. The juice of the leaves is a remedy for pain in the ear[243]. The seeds are anthelmintic and rubefacient[243, 272]. The whole plant is used in the treatment of scorpion stings and snake bites[243].

Known Hazards

None known