Cleome
A genus of flowering plants known as spider flowers or bee plants
Cleome is a group of about 170 to 275 species of annual or perennial herbs and shrubs found in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide. Some are grown for their striking flowers, which can be purple, pink, or white, while others are used as vegetables.
- Cleome includes about 170 to 275 species worldwide
- Some species are called spider flowers or bee plants
- Cleome houtteana is grown for its purple, pink, or white flowers
- Cleome gynandra is used as a vegetable crop
- Cleome is studied for its photosynthesis evolution
What does Cleome look like?
Cleome includes annual and perennial herbs and shrubs, often called spider flowers or bee plants. The flowers of some species, such as Cleome houtteana, are notable for their long, spidery stamens and come in shades of purple, pink, or white. The plants can vary in size and form, but many have a distinctive airy appearance, with divided leaves and tall flower clusters. Some species may be confused with related plants like clammyweed.
Where does Cleome come from?
Cleome species are found throughout tropical and warm temperate regions around the world. The genus was once grouped with the caper family but is now placed in Cleomaceae, which is more closely related to the mustard family. DNA research has led to changes in how the genus is defined, sometimes including related genera. Cleome is important in scientific research because it shows evolutionary steps between different types of photosynthesis.
When and how Cleome blooms
Cleome species grow in a range of climates, mostly in warm regions. They can be annuals or perennials, and some are cultivated from seed for their ornamental flowers. Cleome houtteana is popular in gardens for its colorful and unusual blooms. Cleome gynandra is grown as a leafy vegetable crop in some areas. The plants generally prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil.
How Cleome is used
People grow some Cleome species in gardens for their showy flowers, which attract pollinators. Cleome gynandra is used as a vegetable in cooking. The genus is also valued in scientific studies for its role in understanding the evolution of photosynthesis. Some species are grown mainly for their ornamental value, while others are part of local diets.
Kinds of Cleome
The genus includes about 170 to 275 species, depending on how it is defined. Cleome houtteana is a well-known garden plant with purple, pink, or white flowers. Cleome gynandra is grown for food. Some species have developed different forms of photosynthesis, making the genus diverse in both appearance and biology.
What Cleome means
Cleome is important in plant science because it helps researchers study the evolution of photosynthesis. The genus is sometimes called spider flower or bee plant for its flower shape and ability to attract insects. Some species are cultivated for food, while others are grown for their decorative flowers in gardens.
Questions people ask about Cleome
Where does Cleome come from?
Cleome species are found in tropical and warm temperate regions around the world, with a subcosmopolitan distribution.
What does Cleome look like?
Cleome plants can be annual or perennial herbs and shrubs, often with divided leaves and tall clusters of flowers that have long, spidery stamens in purple, pink, or white.
How is Cleome used?
Some Cleome species, like Cleome houtteana, are grown as ornamental garden plants, while Cleome gynandra is cultivated as a vegetable crop.
Why is Cleome important in science?
Cleome is used in research to study the evolution of photosynthesis, as it contains species with different types of photosynthetic pathways.
Does Cleome have other names?
Yes, Cleome is also known as spider flower, spider plant, spider weed, or bee plant.
Good reading and sources
- Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Cleome", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
