Purple Cleome

Cleome rutidosperma is a small herbaceous plant usually growing up to 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) but can reach up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. The leaves are trifoliate. Cleome rutidosperma grows rapidly and can produce numerous viable seeds quickly. Their seeds are produced inside pods that split open when dry. They are black in color and vary in size from 7 to 16 millimetres (0.28 to 0.63 in) in length. They also contain elaiosomes, fleshy structures rich in protein and lipids. The seeds are collected and stored underground by ants. The elaiosomes are eaten, but the seed remains untouched and will eventually sprout from underground. This hastens the spread of the plants.

Cleome rutidosperma is native to West Africa, where its habitat is usually along coastal regions but can extend to inland areas. It has been introduced to other parts of the world and is now found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, America, the Pacific, and Oceania. Cleome rutidosperma are usually found growing in recently disturbed soils, including gardens, roadsides, and fields. They can also grow as epiphytes on rock faces and trees.