Family: Cleomaceae
Cleome gynandra, commonly known as wild spider flower or cat’s-whiskers, is a fast-growing annual plant native to Africa and parts of Asia. It is easily recognized by its upright growth habit, showy flowers with long, protruding stamens that give a “spider-like” appearance, and a strong odor released when the leaves are crushed. In many parts of the world, this species is intentionally grown as a leafy vegetable, with young leaves and shoots cooked for food, and it is also used in traditional medicine. Its ability to grow quickly in warm climates has contributed to its spread beyond its native range.
In Hawaiʻi, Cleome gynandra is naturalized on all major islands, including Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. It commonly occurs in low-elevation, dry, and disturbed areas such as roadsides, pastures, and open fields. The plant produces large quantities of seed and can spread rapidly, allowing it to compete with desirable vegetation and reduce pasture quality, as it is generally unpalatable to livestock. Because of its invasive tendencies in disturbed landscapes, ongoing management and prevention of further spread are recommended to limit its impacts.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Widely naturalized (including all main Hawaiian Islands)
- Agricultural crop weed
- Other Cleome species are weedy and invasive
- Host for crop pests and pathogens
- Tolerates many soil types
- Self-compatible
- Produces viable seeds that are small and that may be dispersed by a number of different vectors
- Able to reach maturity in one growing season (annual)
- Seeds may form a persistent seed bank
- Tolerates repeated harvesting of leaves
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Palatable to animals and people
- Provides fodder for livestock
- Grows in full sun
- Non-toxic
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Herbicides may provide effective control
