Cleome ornithopodioides

Bird Spider-flower

Cleomaceae Edible: Seeds 17 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cleome ornithopodioides or bird spiderflower is the type species of the genus Cleome which is part of the family Cleomaceae or Brassicaceae. The species epithet means "birds-foot like" (ornithopodi + oides).

Description

A small annual herb growing to 0.3 m tall. Hermaphroditic flowers. Tolerates light sandy and medium loamy well-drained soils in mildly acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Requires full sun and adapts to dry or moist soil.

Edible Uses

The seed is used as a mustard substitute.

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses are known for this plant.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Europe,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as a spring-sown annual in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light fertile soil in a warm dry sunny position with plenty of room to spread.

Propagation

Surface sow or only lightly cover seed in spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes 5–14 days at 25°c. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in late spring. Daytime temperatures below 20°c depress germination, though a night-time drop to 20°c is necessary.

Other Uses

No other uses are known for this plant.

Notes

There are about 150 Cleome species.

Synonyms

Cleome aurea Celak.Cleome cypria Celak.Cleome daghestanica (Rupr.) TzvelevCleome ornithopodioides f. daghestanica Rupr.Micambe ornithopodioides Medik.