Overview of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is a flowering plant species in the family Cleomaceae. It is commonly known as the spider flower, African spider flower, or spiny spider flower. The plant is native to Africa, specifically Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Description of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is an annual herb that grows up to 90 cm tall. The plant has hairy, alternate, and lobed leaves that are about 5-10 cm long. The leaves are palmately compound with three to five leaflets. The stem of the plant is covered in glandular hairs and with age becomes woody at the base. The flowers are generally pink or white in color and appear in clusters, with each cluster consisting of four to eight flowers. The flowers have long, thin, and spidery petals, which gives rise to the plant's common name, spider flower. The plant produces a fruit that is cylindrical in shape, about 2.5 cm long, and has many seeds inside.
Uses of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. has various medicinal, ornamental, and culinary uses. The plant is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, and respiratory infections. The seeds of the plant are used to produce oil, which is used for cooking and soap-making. Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes and is popular due to its attractive flowers. In addition, some species of Cleome are edible, and the leaves are used in salads and other dishes in some countries.
Light Requirements
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm weather and can be sensitive to frost. It grows best in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Cooler temperatures can slow its growth and decrease its vigor.
Soil Requirements
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. The ideal pH range for its growth is 6.0-7.5. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to root rot. Adding a layer of mulch can help retain moisture in the soil.
Cultivation of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as spider flower or African spider flower, is an annual herb that can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and 0.6 meters wide. This plant is native to Africa and prefers a warm and humid climate.
The cultivation of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the planting area must have full sunlight exposure. It is best to sow the seeds in early spring or fall, depending on the climate zone. When planting, make sure to space the seeds at least 30 centimeters apart.
Watering Needs of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. requires adequate watering to thrive. Watering should be done consistently, especially during hotter months, to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so do not let the soil remain too wet. The plant can withstand drought, but prolonged periods of dryness can affect its growth. If you notice wilting leaves, then it's time to water your Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. plant.
Fertilization of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. can benefit from regular feeding during its growing season. Apply fertilizer every two weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth, and fewer flowers will be produced. A well-fertilized plant will produce more blooms and have better resistance to diseases and pests.
Pruning of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Pruning Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is essential to promote bushier growth and encourage more blooming. Pinch off the tips of the main stem and side branches when the plant reaches 15 centimeters in height. This will encourage the plant to branch out, producing more buds along the stem and leading to a fuller plant. Deadheading spent blooms will also encourage the plant to flower more. Cut back any yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain a neat and healthy appearance.
Propagation of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn.
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The best time to sow the seeds of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is during early spring when the temperature is warm. Before sowing, scarify the surface of the seeds on sandpaper or by cutting them slightly to promote quicker germination. Then, sow the seeds in well-drained soil lightly covered with soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate within two to four weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Cut a 6-inch segment of stem from the tip of Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn., remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the stem cutting and cover it with a plastic bag or a clear container to maintain moisture levels. Place the pot in a well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. In a few months, the cutting will take root, and new growth will occur.
Disease Management
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to stunted growth, wilting, leaf spots, and even death of the plant. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the surface of leaves and stems. It can cause leaf drop and weaken the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you need to improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. You can also apply fungicides to the plant as a preventive measure.
- Rust: Rust is also a fungal disease that appears as yellow or orange spores on the underside of leaves and stems. It can cause premature leaf drop and weaken the plant. To manage rust, you need to pick off infected leaves and destroy them. You should also avoid overhead watering and apply fungicides as a preventive measure.
- Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial or fungal disease that appears as dark, water-soaked spots on the surface of leaves. It can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage leaf spot, you need to practice good sanitation by removing dead leaves and avoiding overhead watering. You can also apply fungicides to the plant as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Cleome acuta Schumach. & Thonn. is also vulnerable to several pests that can damage its leaves, stems, and flowers. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing deformities and stunted growth. To manage aphids, you need to use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control aphids naturally.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny arachnids that pierce the plant cells and suck out the contents, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you need to use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that eat the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, you need to pick them off the plant by hand. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to kill them naturally.
