Cleome arabica

Family: Cleomaceae

What it is like

A herb.

There are about 150-250 Cleome species. They are mostly tropical and subtropical. There are about 40 Cleome species in tropical America. They are also put in the family Capparaceae. It can restrict the growth of some other plants.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is a desert plant. It grows in the northern region of West Africa down to 20°N. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Israel, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Sahara, Somalia, West Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are dried, reduced to powder and added to milk as a drink.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cleome aschersoniana Pfund; Cleome hexandra Poir. ex Steud.; Cleome siliquaria R. Br.; Cleome trinervia Fresen.; Siliquaria arabica Raf.; Siliquaria glandulosa Forssk.;