Cleome viscosa

Cleome viscosa, the Asian spiderflower or tick weed is an annual herb that grows up to a meter high. It belongs to the family Cleomaceae. It is considered an invasive species and is widely distributed in warm and humid habitats across the Americas, Africa and Asia, and in Australia (where it is considered a native). It is commonly found during the rainy season. The crushed leaves have been investigated as a treatment for stored seeds of cowpea, to prevent weevil infestation. The leaves are used as external application to wounds and ulcers. The seeds are anthelmintic and carminative. The juice of the leaves is used as a remedy against discharge of pus from the ear. In a study comparing C. viscosa to standard antibiotics, it was proven to be effective at inhibiting microbial growth. This demonstrates its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent in comparison to the antibiotic tetracycline. In northern India, the seeds (called Jakhya) are used as a culinary herb, mainly for tempering. in Australia, the Walmajarri people of the southern Kimberley call it Jirlpirringarni.