Spiderwisp (Cleome gynandra, Sp. Pl.: 671 (1753))

Family: Cleomaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 671 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cleome

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World

Description

The Spiderwisp, known scientifically as Cleome gynandra, is a plant with an extensive presence across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World. Described initially by the famed botanist Linnaeus in the seminal text “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this plant belongs to the Cleomaceae family, a notable group within the botanical world.

Spiderwisp thrives in a variety of climates, particularly favoring the lush environments found in tropical and subtropical areas. Its adaptive capabilities allow it to colonize diverse habitats, contributing to its widespread appearance. The plant’s unique physiological characteristics have made it an interesting subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

One of the distinctive features of Cleome gynandra is its spider-like appearance, which has led to the common name Spiderwisp. This unique morphology not only distinguishes it visually but also influences its interaction with the ecosystem, including pollinators and other flora and fauna.

Historically, Spiderwisp has also played a role in local traditions and practices. In various cultures within its native range, it is known for its edible leaves and seeds, which are sometimes utilized in traditional dishes. Moreover, certain indigenous communities have harnessed its medicinal properties, leveraging the natural compounds found within the plant for therapeutic uses.

Ecologically, Cleome gynandra contributes to the biodiversity of its native regions. By serving as a food source and habitat for different species, it supports the intricate web of life in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Additionally, its growth patterns and reproductive strategies provide valuable insights for ecological studies and conservation efforts.

In summary, the Spiderwisp or Cleome gynandra, with its rich botanical history and ecological significance, stands as a remarkable plant within the Cleomaceae family. Its adaptability, cultural importance, and ecological roles underscore its value in the natural world and human society.

Common Names

En: Spiderwisp, African cabbage, Spider whisp, Spiderflower, Massamby, African spider-flower, Spider-wisp, Whiskered Spider Flower, Acaya, Bastard-mustard, Cat’s-whiskers, Mouzambi
Af: Spinnekop cleome
Ar: أبو قرن، أراريج, تمليكه (تَمَليكه)، طبشنجيه (طُبشنجيه)
Fr: Feuilles Caya, Mozambé
He: באשן מחומש
Es: Acaya, Mouzambi, Volatín

Synonyms

• Gynandropsis ophitocarpa (DC.)
• Gynandropsis muricata (Schrad.)
• Pedicellaria gynandra ((L.) Chiov.)
• Gynandropsis pentaphylla ((L.) DC.)
• Gynandropsis palmipes (DC.)
• Cleome heterotricha (Burch.)
• Gynandropsis denticulata (DC.)
• Gynandropsis glandulosa (C.Presl)
• Pedicellaria pentaphylla ((L.) Schrank)
• Gynandropsis gynandra ((L.) Briq.)
• Cleome candelabrum (Sims)
• Cleome blumeana (D.Dietr.)
• Cleome pentaphylla var. glabra (Kuntze)
• Cleome pentaphylla var. hirsuta (Kuntze)
• Pedicellaria pentaphylla var. hirsutissima (De Wild.)
• Cleome denticulata (Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Cleome acuta (Schumach. & Thonn.)
• Cleome affinis ((Blume) Spreng.)
• Gynandropsis sessilifolia (DC.)
• Cleome oleracea (Welw.)
• Gynandropsis heterotricha (DC.)
• Gynandropsis triphylla (DC.)
• Gynandropsis affinis (Blume)
• Gynandropsis sinica (Miq.)
• Podogyne pentaphylla ((L.) Hoffmanns.)
• Sinapistrum pentaphyllum (Medik.)
• Gynandropsis candelabrum ((Sims) Sweet)
• Cleome pentaphylla (L.)
• Cleome alliacea (Blanco)
• Cleome bungei (Steud.)
• Cleome alliodora (Blanco)
• Cleome muricata ((Schrad.) Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Cleome rosea (Eckl. ex Steud.)
• Gynandropsis viscida (Bunge)
• Cleome eckloniana (Schrad.)
• Cleome sessilifolia ((DC.) Schult. & Schult.f.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Christmas I. (native)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
• Congo (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Mali (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South China Sea (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Aruba (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Kazan-retto (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Suriname (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Timothy Kaaria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by David Genaro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by ismael asum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Udaya Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Philip Mussenden (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by Devi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Davies Monari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Udaya Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 27, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Anant pochampalliwar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Cintho Sanon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 11, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2017 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 27, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by vinnekarani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2018 by Andrew Helbig (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken May 7, 2017 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Andy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60518-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cleome gynandra L.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3054225)

Specifications

Growth