Cleome monophylla
Cleome monophylla
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Pl. 418F — Cleome monophylla
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IOverview
Overview
Cleome monophylla, commonly known as single-leaved spider flower, is an annual plant native to regions including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, and Burundi. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, thriving best in light or medium soil types. This plant reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is found across various African countries as well as parts of India and Yemen. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, Cleome monophylla adds culinary value to its native range while showcasing distinctive spider-like flowers that set it apart in the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Cleome monophylla?
Cleome monophylla, commonly known as single-leaved spider flower, is an annual plant native to regions including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, and Burundi. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, thriving best in light or medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cleome monophylla thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium. It can grow up to 0.5 meters tall and requires dry to moist conditions. As an annual, it needs regular watering but will tolerate some drought. Harvest its edible leaves and shoots for culinary use. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated by seed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cleome monophylla for the first time
8steps
Start with simple care for Cleome monophylla, focusing on basic planting and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light and sandy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, providing full sun exposure.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)IndiaSri Lanka
Africa24 regions
native (24)AngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadEritreaEthiopiaGhanaGuineaKenyaLesothoMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritaniaMozambiqueNamibiaNigerNigeriaRwandaSenegalSomalia
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 418fde5e-990d-40e2-bf3e-eb5c59696d7e
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