Origin
Cleome scheffleri Briq., commonly known as African spider flower, is a species of annual flowering plant in the Cleomaceae family. It is native to Eastern Africa and can be found growing in Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Common Names
Aside from African spider flower, Cleome scheffleri Briq. also goes by other names. In Tanzania, it is called "mkunazi" or "mgunda wa kwandwe," while in Malawi, it is referred to as "chilungamo" or "mulumbi" in Chichewa, and "kaperekambewa" in Tumbuka.
Uses
Cleome scheffleri Briq. is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of illnesses such as painful joints, malaria, and jaundice. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the symptoms of rheumatism. Additionally, the plant's seeds are sometimes roasted and consumed as a snack in Malawi.
General Appearance
The African spider flower is an upright, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has palmate leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern and can have three to five leaflets. The plant produces large, showy, pink-purple flowers that are up to 5 cm in diameter and have prominent stamens that resemble spider legs. The flowers are arranged in racemes at the top of the plant and bloom from late spring to early autumn. The plant also produces long, slender seed pods that split open when ripe to reveal small black seeds.
Growth Conditions for Cleome scheffleri Briq.
Cleome scheffleri Briq. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Capparidaceae. It is commonly found in rocky areas and savannahs in South Africa. The plant requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth and development.
Light Requirements
Cleome scheffleri Briq. requires full sun exposure to grow. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to promote its growth and development. Insufficient light can reduce the number of flowers the plant produces.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for Cleome scheffleri Briq. growth is between 18°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate a slight temperature fluctuation, but extreme heat or cold can damage it.
Soil Requirements
Cleome scheffleri Briq. requires well-draining soil with a neutral pH level of 7.0. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as the soil is well-draining. The recommended soil depth is 10 to 15 cm. The soil should be fertile, and the plant should be regularly fertilized. The recommended fertilizer is a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer applied at planting and then every six to eight weeks.
Cultivation of Cleome scheffleri Briq.
Cleome scheffleri Briq., commonly known as the spider flower, is a hardy annual plant that is relatively easy to grow. It requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine to thrive. Make sure to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
You can propagate the spider flower from seed or cuttings. If you're using seeds, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up in the spring.
If you're using cuttings, take them from healthy plants in the summer and root them in moist soil. Once the roots have formed, transplant them outdoors.
Watering needs of Cleome scheffleri Briq.
The spider flower is relatively drought-tolerant and doesn't require a lot of water. However, you should water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Make sure not to overwater it as this can cause root rot.
During the hotter months, you may need to water the plant more frequently to prevent wilting. You can use a hose or a watering can to water the plants at the base.
Fertilization of Cleome scheffleri Briq.
Cleome scheffleri Briq. is not a heavy feeder, but you can still fertilize it to encourage growth and blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once a month during the growing season.
Avoid fertilizing the plant in the fall as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by frost.
Pruning Cleome scheffleri Briq.
Pruning Cleome scheffleri Briq. is not necessary, but you can encourage bushier growth by pinching back the stem tips. This will also encourage more blooms.
If the plant becomes leggy, you can cut it back by 1/3 to encourage new growth. Deadheading spent blooms will also encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Cleome scheffleri Briq.
Cleome scheffleri Briq. is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Central and Eastern Africa. It is a member of the Cleomaceae family and is commonly known as the African spider flower due to its unique floral structure.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Cleome scheffleri Briq. is through seed propagation. The plant produces small, black seeds that can be collected once the seed pods have dried out. To ensure a successful germination, it is recommended to stratify the seeds by placing them in the refrigerator for a few weeks before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring season, in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Cutting propagation
Cleome scheffleri Briq. can also be propagated through cuttings, although it is not as common as seed propagation. Semi-mature cuttings can be taken during the summer season and rooted in a mix of peat moss and sand. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in the rooting mix. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots have developed, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division propagation
The final method of propagating Cleome scheffleri Briq. is through division. This method involves dividing the roots of an established plant, making sure that each division has a good amount of roots attached. The best time to divide the plant is during the dormant season, which is typically in the winter. The divisions can then be planted in individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Cleome scheffleri Briq. is generally resistant to most diseases, but it is still vulnerable to fungal infections like powdery mildew and Botrytis blight. These conditions usually occur due to excessive moisture or humidity, and they appear as white or grey powdery substances on the plant's leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good hygiene by removing fallen leaves and debris around the plant to prevent fungal growth. It is also crucial to minimize moisture levels by avoiding excessive watering of the plant and ensuring proper ventilation in its growing environment. Fungicides like sulfur or copper-based formulations can also be applied to manage these diseases.
Pest Management
Cleome scheffleri Briq. is also prone to insect infestations, particularly by spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the leaves, while aphids are small soft-bodied insects that cluster on the plant's stems and buds, causing deformation, curling, and yellowing of the leaves.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for infestations and use physical methods like pruning infested plant parts or washing the plant with water to remove the pests. Insecticidal soaps or oils like neem oil can also be used to manage these pests effectively. Additionally, natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the plant's environment to control the pests biologically.
