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spiderwisp
Scientific Name: Cleome gynandra
Family: Capparaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Spiderwisp (Cleome gynandra)
Spiderwisp, scientifically known as Cleome gynandra, is an annual forb/herb with several common names, reflecting its widespread distribution and varied appearance.
Common Names:
- Spiderwisp
- African Cabbage
- Cat's Whiskers
- Wild Spider Flower
- Honohina
- Iliohu
- Bangara (Shona)
- Nyevhe (Shona)
- Rudhe (Shona)
- Runi (Shona)
- Tsuna (Shona)
- Ulude (Ndebele)
- Spider Plant
It is also known by local names in Sanskrit, Marathi and Kenyan (Kisii).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature:
- Scientific Name: Cleome gynandra L.
- Family: Capparaceae (Cleomaceae)
- Group: Dicot
- Synonyms:
- Cleome pentaphylla
- Gynandropsis gynandra
- Gynandropsis pentaphylla
- Pedicellaria pentaphylla
Distribution and Habitat:
- Native to: Hawaii (HI), Illinois (I), Lower 48 United States (L48), Palau (PB), Puerto Rico (PR), Virgin Islands (VI).
- Grows throughout Africa.
Morphological Characteristics:
- Annual plant reaching up to 1.3 meters (4ft 3in) in height.
- Erect herb.
- Much-branched.
- Covered in glandular hairs.
- Strongly aromatic when crushed.
- Leaves are palmately compound with 3-5 obovate leaflets.
- Flowers have four petals, similar to mustards.
- Produces seed pods.
Ecological Role:
- May be considered weedy or invasive in some areas.
Traditional Uses:
- The seeds have been traditionally used as an anthelmintic and rubefacient.
Further Information:
- Plants of Hawaii resources by Forest and Kim Starr.
- Dave's Garden
Quirky Facts:
- One source humorously describes Spiderwisp as resembling "a mustard that lost its way or got some psychedelic-laced fertilizer."