Tick Weed
Cleome Viscosa
Tick Weed
Cleome Viscosa
Cleome viscosa, commonly known as Asian spiderflower or tick weed, is a fast-growing annual herb that often appears during the rainy season. It can grow up to about one metre tall and belongs to the Cleomaceae family. The plant is widely distributed in warm, humid regions across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia, where it is sometimes considered native. In many places, however, it is regarded as an invasive or troublesome weed, especially in disturbed ground.
The plant has sticky, hairy stems and leaves that give it a slightly rough, tacky feel. Its leaves are made up of three oval-shaped leaflets with fine hairs along the edges. The bright yellow flowers are arranged in loose clusters and are quite noticeable, sometimes showing a hint of purple near the base of the petals. These flowers develop into long, narrow seed pods that split open as they mature, releasing many small, light-brown seeds.
Cleome viscosa has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Crushed leaves are commonly applied to wounds and ulcers, while the leaf juice is used to treat ear infections. The seeds are known for their digestive properties and have been used to expel intestinal worms. Scientific studies have also shown that extracts from the plant can inhibit the growth of certain microbes, supporting its traditional medicinal use.
This hardy species thrives in warm, moist conditions and is commonly found in fields, roadsides, gardens, and other disturbed areas, where it can spread quickly and establish itself with ease.
Order: Brassicales
Family: Cleomaceae
Genus: Cleome
Species: C. viscosa
Binomial name: Cleome viscosa
Cleome Viscosa
Cleome viscosa, commonly known as Asian spiderflower or tick weed, is a fast-growing annual herb that often appears during the rainy season. It can grow up to about one metre tall and belongs to the Cleomaceae family. The plant is widely distributed in warm, humid regions across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia, where it is sometimes considered native. In many places, however, it is regarded as an invasive or troublesome weed, especially in disturbed ground.
The plant has sticky, hairy stems and leaves that give it a slightly rough, tacky feel. Its leaves are made up of three oval-shaped leaflets with fine hairs along the edges. The bright yellow flowers are arranged in loose clusters and are quite noticeable, sometimes showing a hint of purple near the base of the petals. These flowers develop into long, narrow seed pods that split open as they mature, releasing many small, light-brown seeds.
Cleome viscosa has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Crushed leaves are commonly applied to wounds and ulcers, while the leaf juice is used to treat ear infections. The seeds are known for their digestive properties and have been used to expel intestinal worms. Scientific studies have also shown that extracts from the plant can inhibit the growth of certain microbes, supporting its traditional medicinal use.
This hardy species thrives in warm, moist conditions and is commonly found in fields, roadsides, gardens, and other disturbed areas, where it can spread quickly and establish itself with ease.
Order: Brassicales
Family: Cleomaceae
Genus: Cleome
Species: C. viscosa
Binomial name: Cleome viscosa
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