Chlorophytum comosum

(Thunb.) Jacques

Spider plant

Asparagaceae Edible: Fruit, Tubers, Root Potential hazards — see below 17,854 iNaturalist observations

ornamental

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Summary

Chlorophytum comosum, usually called spider plant or common spider plant due to its spider-like look, also known as spider ivy, airplane plant, ribbon plant (a name it shares with Dracaena sanderiana), and hen and chickens, is a species of evergreen perennial flowering plant of the family Asparagaceae. It is native to tropical and Southern Africa but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including Western Australia and Bangladesh. Chlorophytum comosum is easy to grow as a houseplant because of its resilience, but it can be sensitive to the fluoride in tap water, which commonly gives it "burnt tips". Variegated forms are the most popular.

Description

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stems are erect and slender. They are wiry and arches over. The leaves are long and like straps. They are at the base of the plant. They have yellow and green stripes. The flowers are small and white.

Edible Uses

The fruit, tubers, and roots are edible.

Medicinal Uses

The plant (part not specified) is used for treating bronchitis, fractures and burns. A study isolated three new spirostanol pentaglycosides and four known saponins. The saponins were examined for inhibitory activity on tumor promoter-induced phospholipid metabolism of HeLa cells. The antiproliferative effects of a n-butanol extract from Chlorophytum comosum was tested in vitro against four human cell lines. Results showed the extract to have antiproliferative effects and apoptosis in human cell lines.

Known Hazards

Spider plants are non-toxic to humans and pets, and are considered edible.

Distribution

It is best in light to medium, well-drained, moist soil. It needs a protected shaded position.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, East Africa, Guam, Iran, Korea, Middle East, Pacific, Slovenia, Southern Africa, St Helena, Tuvalu, Uganda, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from offsets.

Propagation

Seed - Division of rhizomes. Division of young plantlets that develop on the flowering stem

Other Uses

The plant can be grown as a ground cover. According to a NASA study, when grown as a pot plant this species can absorb 96% of the carbon monoxide in a controlled environment within a 24-hour period, making it one of the most effective air purifiers in its research.

Notes

Also put in the family Anthericaceae and Liliaceae.

Synonyms

Chlorophytum gazense RendleChlorophytum sparsiflorum Baker

Also Known As

čopasta zelenčica, Nalwebe

References (5)

Aberoumand, A., 2008, Comparison of protein values from seven wild edible plants of Iran. African Journal of Food Science. Vol 2. pp 73-76
Aberoumand, A. and Deokule, S. S., 2009, Determination of Elements Profile of Some Wild Edible Plants. Food Anal. Methods. 2:116-119
Aberoumand, A., 2011, Major Antinutrients and Phytochemical Investigation Found in an Iranian Edible Plant Source. J. Nat. Prod. Plant resourc. 1(2):56-61
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 253
Thaman, R. R, 2016, The flora of Tuvalu. Atoll Research Bulletin No. 611. Smithsonian Institute p 48