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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Spiny spider flower

Cleome aculeata, Fam. Cleomaceae prev. Capparaceae


Prickly-stemmed, erect, branched annual herb, 20-60cm.

Weed Category: Other invasive plants
Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
Weed: Yes
Form or habit: Herb
Family: Cleomaceae prev. Capparaceae
Leaf: Compound Alternate
Alternate, palmately dissected, lower leaves trifoliolate, reducing to a simple leaflet above. Leaflets oblong to obovate, 20-35 x 10-18mm, thin textured with clear glands and hairs; stalks to 45mm long. Stipules 2 short conical, recurved spines.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

White

Flower description: White, 5-10mm long, borne in few-flowered racemes.
Fruit conspicuous: Conspicuous
Fruit colour:

Green

Fruit: Fleshy
Fruit description: Green, fleshy, erect, knobbly narrow cylindrical capsules, 30-60 x 3mm. Seeds numerous, resembling flattened snail shells, yellowish 2.5mm diameter.
Habitat:
Distribution
Food source for:
Toxicity: No toxicity known
Origin: Mexico, South America
Notes: Spread by: seeds probably spread by water, contaminated soil and in garden waste. Invades: creek banks, roadsides, rainforest margins, pastures and gardens. May compete with young cane. Notes: known populations in this region occur between Mackay and Proserpine. Environmental weed.
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition.

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