Cleome monophylla
Family: Capparidaceae
What it is like
Cleome monophylla is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is frost tender. It is in leaf from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
A weed of fields and waste places.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves - cooked and used like spinach. The young shoots and flowers can also be used. The pungent seed is used as a mustard substitute.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The pounded root is put on the lips to restore consciousness when in a faint.
Restorative: Restores consciousness or normal physiological activity.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a light fertile soil in a warm dry sunny position with plenty of room to spread. A frost tender plant, it can be grown as a summer annual in Britain.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow or only lightly cover the seed in spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 5 - 14 days at 25°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in late spring. Day time temperatures below 20°c depress germination but a night time fall to 20° is necessary.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist