Cleome Glandulosissima Gilg

Overview of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg, commonly known as the glandular spider flower, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Cleomaceae. It is native to the African continent, specifically found in Sudan and Ethiopia. This plant is often grown as an ornamental plant and has significant medicinal value.

Appearance of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg

The glandular spider flower typically grows up to a height of 50 to 60 cm and features hairy stems. The leaves are simple, alternate, and pinnately compound with a length of 7 cm and a width of 3 cm. The flowers grow in a raceme inflorescence, which measures around 10 cm radial, with four purple petals measuring about 1.5 cm.

Uses of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg

The Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is known for its various medicinal properties. It is used in Sudanese folk medicine as a remedy for intestinal problems. The leaves of this plant's species are also known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for treating various skin diseases, sores, and wounds. Additionally, the plant is a great food source for bees and butterflies, thus playing a crucial role in pollination.

Common Names of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg

The plant Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is known by various common names depending on the region where it is found. It is commonly referred to as the glandular spider flower, African spider plant, spider wisp, and spiderweed.

Light Requirements

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may not flower as profusely as in full sun. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature range for Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 29 degrees Celsius). It is tolerant of both heat and drought conditions as it originates from dry regions of Africa. However, it cannot withstand frost and should be protected during the winter months in cooler climates.

Soil Requirements

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. A soil pH between 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal for growth. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is also tolerant of nutrient-poor soil as excess fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve nutrient retention and moisture-holding capacity.

Cultivation

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is a low-growing, hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of growing conditions. It is easy to grow and can be propagated from seed. To cultivate this plant:

• Choose a site that receives full sun to partial shade.
• Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
• Sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost or in late summer to early fall.
• Space the seeds about 12-18 inches apart and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
• Water the seeds lightly after sowing and keep the soil moist until germination.

Watering

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg prefers moist but well-drained soil. It does not tolerate wet feet and can suffer from root rot if the soil is waterlogged. To water this plant:

• Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season or more frequently if the soil dries out quickly.
• Avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers as this can cause fungal diseases.
• Water the plant sparingly during the winter when it is dormant.

Fertilization

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is a light feeder that does not require a lot of fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage and fewer flowers. To fertilize this plant:

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Avoid applying too much nitrogen, which can result in excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
• Stop fertilizing the plant in the fall to allow it to enter dormancy naturally.

Pruning

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg does not require regular pruning, but occasional pruning can help to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged foliage, and promote a bushier growth habit. To prune this plant:

• Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut back the stems just above a leaf node.
• Prune the plant in the spring before new growth appears to remove any winter damage.
• Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer to promote branching and more flowers.
• Cut back the entire plant to the ground after the first frost in the fall or before the first frost in areas where the plant is grown as an annual.

Propagation of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg or commonly known as spider flower is a fast-growing ornamental plant that can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, stem cutting, and division.

Seed Propagation

Seeds of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg can be easily collected from dried seed pods. The seeds should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist until the germination process begins. Germination usually takes two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown into a small plant, they can be transplanted outdoors or in a larger container.

Stem Cutting Propagation

Stem cuttings can be taken from a mature Cleome glandulosissima Gilg plant during the growing season. The cutting should be about four to six inches long and should have a few leaves on it. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-drained potting mixture. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a warm, well-lit area until it develops roots. Once the roots have developed, it can be transplanted outdoors or in a larger container.

Division Propagation

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg can be propagated through division when the plant has become too large. The plant should be carefully dug up and separated into smaller sections. Each section should have a considerable amount of roots and a few shoots. The sections can then be planted separately in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist. They should be placed in a warm, well-lit area until they begin to grow.

Propagation of Cleome glandulosissima Gilg can be easily achieved through these methods. However, it is important to note that the plant can self-seed and produce new offsprings without human intervention.

Disease and Pest Management for Cleome glandulosissima Gilg

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg, commonly known as the African spider flower, is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Common Diseases

One of the most common diseases that affect Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It thrives in warm, humid weather and can spread rapidly.

To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant clean and to avoid overhead watering. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.

Common Pests

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg may be affected by several common pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. This can cause the leaves to become distorted and yellow. To control aphids, you can wash the plants down with a strong stream of water or treat them with an insecticidal soap.

Whiteflies are tiny insects that gather on the undersides of the leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and can cause it to become weak and wilt. To control whiteflies, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings or treat the plants with a systemic insecticide.

Spider mites are common pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. They are very small and difficult to detect, but their presence can be indicated by the presence of webbing on the leaves. To control spider mites, you can wash the plants down with a strong stream of water or treat them with a miticide.

Conclusion

Cleome glandulosissima Gilg is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, if you notice any signs of powdery mildew, aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites, it is important to take action quickly to control the spread of the disease or pest and protect the plant.