Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

86
Capparidaceae
Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq.
(Syn: Cleome gynandra L.)
English name: African spiderflower.
Local name: Bugra booti.
Description:
A summer annual, erect or sub-erect herb up to 10-50 (-90) cm tall, often glandular,
hairy. Leaves palmatelly divided into 3 to 5 leaflets. Flowers white or pale pink in
terminal racemes with long curved stamens. Fruit capsule with many seeds.
Flowering Period:
August-October.
Habitat:
The plant is commonly found in moist cultivated fields,
sandy open areas. Often very common after rainfall.
Uses:
The leaves are rubbed on the skin as a cure for chibayo
pneumonia. The decoction of root is used to treat fever.
The whole plant is used in the treatment of scorpion
stings and snake bites.
Distribution:
Widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions
of the world.