Single-leaved cleome
Cleome monophylla

Family: Cleomaceae

What it is like

A small annual herb. It is erect and hairy. It grows 30-60 cm high. It can be spreading. The leaves are simple and undivided. They are 2.5-8 cm long and narrow. The flowers are pink and purple. The pods are long and thin. They are 5-11 mm long by 3 mm wide. They contain several small flat seeds.

There are about 150 Cleome species. It can be a problem weed. The Vitamin C content is 4.3 mg/100 g dry weight.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the Sahel regions in West Africa. It grows in areas with a rainfall of about 100 mm per year. It grows in hot arid places. It grows between 30-2,100 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sahel, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a vegetable. It has an unpleasant smell and acrid taste. Sometimes it is cooked a day before eaten to remove these aspects. They are fried. The seeds are used like mustard.

It is widely eaten throughout Africa.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds - oil, seeds - flavouring, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds.

Leaves are collected during the rainy season.

Its other names

Local names

African cabbage, Akeo-jok, Doran, Hurhuria sag, Isiwisa esiluhlaza, Kanzota, Kawal, Kayuniyuni, Kazuamwalonde, Lerokwa, Lesanye, Lovedu, Lutegeri, Mhuu, Mmusa-pelo monyenyae, Mthoathoa, Musemwasemwa, Mushangishangi, Mutohotoho, Mutitimbudzi, muTsemwaysemwa, Mwanjerenjedza, Njerenjedza, Nsonyo, Nyiragasogereza, Ranga-sorisha, Rimin samara, Sekalerothane, Shimbangana, Shinburbucha, Sosa, Spindlepod, Thokothokgo, Thotha sirio, Tota sirio, Vellai

Synonyms

Cleome cordata Burch. ex DC.; Cleome massae Chiov.; Cleome subcordata Steud. ex Oliv.; Sieruela viscosa Raf.;