Overview
Cleome armata Thunb. is a species of flowering plant in the family Capparaceae. It is a member of the Cleome genus, which includes approximately 170 species of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, and trees. This particular species is native to Southern Africa and is commonly known as the Bush Cleome, Spiny Spiderflower, or Rock Cleome.Appearance
The Cleome armata Thunb. plant is an erect, perennial herb with a woody base that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and deeply lobed, with a rough texture and spiny edges. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, with four petals and numerous stamens. The fruit of the plant is a long, thin capsule containing several small seeds.Uses
Cleome armata Thunb. has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots and leaves of the plant are reported to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. The plant is also used in spiritual and cultural practices by various tribes in Southern Africa. In addition to its medicinal uses, Cleome armata Thunb. is an ornamental plant that can be grown in gardens and used as a decorative plant. The plant's spiny leaves and delicate white flowers make it an attractive addition to any landscape.Conclusion
Cleome armata Thunb. is a versatile plant with a range of uses in traditional medicine, spirituality, and horticulture. Its distinctive appearance and fragrance make it an important cultural and ornamental plant in Southern Africa, while its medicinal properties have been recognized for thousands of years.Light Requirements
Cleome armata Thunb. is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure every day. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it may not bloom properly, and the foliage may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome armata Thunb. is a warm-season plant that requires warm temperatures to grow and develop. The optimal temperature for this plant is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and it does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures well. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may stop growing or die.
Soil Requirements
Cleome armata Thunb. prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be moist but not soggy or waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is recommended to add compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting, to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome armata Thunb., also known as African spider plant or Spider flower, is native to South Africa. It is an annual shrub that loves the sun and thrives in warm temperatures. To cultivate this plant, prepare a well-drained soil and plant the seeds after the last frost date. The plant can grow up to 2 feet high and 3 feet wide, so plant it in a place where it has enough space to grow.
Watering Needs
Cleome armata Thunb. requires enough water to thrive but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. The plant's soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. Water the plant regularly during hot and dry seasons, usually twice a week, and reduce the frequency during cooler temperatures.
Fertilization
Fertilize Cleome armata Thunb. with a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, which is from spring until the first frost. Alternatively, you may opt for slow-release fertilizers applied at the beginning of the planting season.
Pruning
Pruning Cleome armata Thunb. is essential to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from getting leggy. Prune the plant regularly by pinching the tips of the shoots or cutting the whole stem. You may also remove the yellowing or wilting leaves to maintain the plant's appearance. Pruning should be done in the morning or late afternoon to prevent water loss through cuts and avoid direct sunlight on the cut surfaces.
Propagation of Cleome armata Thunb.
Propagation of Cleome armata Thunb. can be done through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds:
The seeds of Cleome armata Thunb. need to be first scarified before planting. Scarification refers to the process of breaking the hard coat of the seeds so that water can penetrate the seed coat and initiate germination.
After scarification, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown in trays containing a well-draining potting mix, and lightly covered with soil. The trays should be watered thoroughly and kept in a warm, bright location, with the soil kept moist.
Once the seedlings have grown to around 5-7cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings:
Cleome armata Thunb. can also be propagated through cuttings. This method is best done during the summer months.
Cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood part of the stem, just below a node. The cuttings should be around 10cm in length, and any leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed.
The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, bright location, out of direct sunlight.
Rooting should take around 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management for Cleome armata Thunb.
Cleome armata Thunb. is highly susceptible to various diseases such as powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, and leaf spot diseases. It is crucial to maintain proper care and management practices to minimize the chances of infection by these diseases.
Some of the effective disease management strategies include avoiding overhead watering, ensuring proper spacing between plants for good air circulation, and removing any infected plant material promptly.
Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also be used to prevent and treat fungal infections. However, it is essential to follow the instructions on the fungicides carefully, as the overuse could lead to plant damage.
Pest management for Cleome armata Thunb.
Cleome armata Thunb. is also vulnerable to various pests that can cause severe damage to the plants. Some of the common pests that affect the plant include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Regular inspection of the plants enables earlier identification and control of the pests. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the garden as a biological control method.
If chemical control is necessary, it is essential to use insecticides that are less toxic to the environment and beneficial insects. The use of horticultural oil can also be effective in controlling spider mites and aphids.
Good sanitation practices such as removing weeds and debris that harbor pests and sterilizing pruning tools prevent the spread of pests to other plants.
