Cleome is one of those genera that instantly earns its “spider flower” nickname. Most species carry airy, open blooms with whiskery, extended stamens that splay out like delicate legs, giving each flower a lively, almost firework-like look. The genus sits in the family Cleomaceae (once grouped with capers but now recognised as closer to mustards) and includes roughly 170 species of herbs and shrubs spread across warm regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

In southern Africa, Cleome is a classic summer-rainfall wildflower group: many species pop up after good rains on disturbed ground, sandy flats, rocky grassland, or savanna edges. Their quick growing habit, long flowering season, and strong nectar/pollen production make them brilliant “ecosystem helpers,” pulling in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when the veld is alive. Several species are also used traditionally as leafy vegetables or medicinal plants elsewhere in Africa, while others have become beloved ornamentals worldwide.

For gardeners, Cleome offers a mix of indigenous charm and cottage-garden drama: tall spires, palmate leaves, and flowers ranging from soft lilac and magenta to bright yellow. Whether you’re building a water-wise indigenous meadow, boosting pollinators in a food garden, or simply wanting that airy “wild elegance” in a sunny bed, spider flowers are generous, tough companions.

Cleome maculata (synonyms recorded regionally; common name Spotted Cleome)

This is one of South Africa’s prettiest “detail” Cleomes. Cleome maculata carries elegant lilac-pink flowers with distinctive yellow markings at the petal bases, giving the blooms a two-tone, jewel-like effect that really stands out at close range. It’s a rewarding indigenous species for gardeners who appreciate subtle but special veld flowers.

Spotted Cleome occurs in southern Africa, including Botswana and the central to northern parts of South Africa. It favours open grassland, bushveld margins and sandy or rocky soils in summer-rainfall areas. Plants are herbaceous and upright, with slender stems, palmate leaves and the long, tapering pods typical of the genus.

Flowering is mainly in summer, often from late spring into early autumn depending on rainfall. The spidery stamens create that floating, firework look Cleomes are famous for, while the yellow petal spots make this species instantly recognisable. It’s excellent for indigenous beds, mixed wildflower meadows and pollinator planting in full sun.

Cleome maculata — sowing notes (spotted Cleome of highveld medium rainfall)

A mostly annual species associated with medium-rainfall highveld regions and broader southern Africa, often on sandy plains or rocky ground.

Best sowing window: October to November inland; September to December in warm coastal summer-rainfall zones.

Give a light cover (1–2 mm). Maintain regular moisture until emergence (7–21 days in warmth).

Once seedlings are up, reduce watering slightly — this species enjoys open sun and doesn’t love boggy soil.

Winter-rainfall Cape growers should sow in late spring in warm, sunny positions and treat it as a heat-loving summer annual.