Cleome rutidosperma


Cleome rutidosperma, commonly known as fringed spider flower or purple cleome, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cleome of the family Cleomaceae, native to tropical Africa. This species is an invasive weed throughout most lowland wet tropical areas of Asia and Australia. It is a very common weed of lawns.

Description

Cleome rutidosperma is a small herbaceous plant usually growing up to but can reach up to in height. The leaves are trifoliate.
Cleome rutidosperma grows rapidly and can produce numerous viable seeds quickly. Their seeds are produced inside pods that split open when dry. They are black in color and vary in size from in length. They also contain elaiosomes, fleshy structures rich in protein and lipids. The seeds are collected and stored underground by ants. The elaiosomes are eaten, but the seed remains untouched and will eventually sprout from underground. This hastens the spread of the plants.

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Other common names of C. rutidosperma include:

Distribution and habitat

Cleome rutidosperma is native to West Africa, where its habitat is usually along coastal regions but can extend to inland areas. It has been introduced to other parts of the world and is now found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, America, the Pacific, and Oceania.
Cleome rutidosperma are usually found growing in recently disturbed soils, including gardens, roadsides, and fields. They can also grow as epiphytes on rock faces and trees.

Economic importance

Cleome rutidosperma is considered a weed. It has a moderate impact on field crops where it has been introduced.
The leaves of C. rutidosperma are edible and are eaten as food in Africa and in India. They are also used in ethnomedicine for treating ear inflammation, convulsions, irritated skin, and malaria. The roots are also used as an antihelminthic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory.
Medical research have confirmed that C. rutidosperma exhibits moderate activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Studies have also shown potent activity of C. rutidosperma against arthritis.