Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

84
Capparidaceae
Cleome viscosa L.
English name: Asian Spider flower, wild mustard.
Local name: Sindhi- Dhanar, Khathoori. Urdu- Jhangli hurhul, Punjabi-
Hurhul
bugra.
Description:
A viscid, sticky annual herb up to 1 m high. Upper l eaves usually tri-foliate,
lower
pentafoliate. Flowers yellow in elongated terminal raceme, bracts tri-foliate. Fruit
elongated erect capsule, many seeded, seeds minute.
Propagates by seeds.
Flowering Period:
June toAugust. Fruiting from September to November.
Habitat:
Commonly found in open areas; and on uncultivated lands.
Uses:
Whole plantpaste used asan externally for differentskin
diseases. Seeds containviscosic acid and viscosin. Tender
shoots and leavesare cooked as vegetable, roasted seeds
are used in curries or are pickled.Apaste ofthe plant is
applied externally to treat earache and for deafness
(diseasesofmiddle ear).
Distribution:
Almost throughout tropical countries.