Cleome Serrulata is a plant commonly found in North America. The word "Cleome" is spelled with a long "e" sound at the beginning, followed by the letter "o" pronounced as "oh". The second word, "Serrulata", is spelled with the letter "s" pronounced as "s", followed by a short "e" and then "rr" pronounced as a rolling sound. The last part is "ulata", with "ul" pronounced as "ool" and "ata" pronounced as "ah-tuh". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /klɪˈoʊmi sɛˈrʊləˌtə/.
Cleome serrulata is a flowering plant species belonging to the Cleome genus and Cleomaceae family. Commonly known as Rocky Mountain beeplant, stinking clover, or bee spiderflower, Cleome serrulata is native to North America, specifically found in the central and western parts of the continent.
This perennial herbaceous plant typically grows to heights ranging from 1 to 6 feet (30 to 180 cm). It has an erect and branched stem, covered in fine hairs, with serrated or toothed leaves divided into three to seven leaflets. The leaves and stem of Cleome serrulata emit a distinctive odor, described by some as an unpleasant scent, hence the common name "stinking clover."
The flowers of Cleome serrulata are one of its prominent features. Arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, they are an important attractant for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The flowers have four pink or purple petals that form a cylindrical shape with long stamens extending beyond the petals. These flowers eventually produce seed pods, which upon ripening, split open to release numerous small, black seeds.
Cleome serrulata has been traditionally used by Indigenous communities for various purposes. Some tribes used the leaves and flowers for culinary purposes, while others utilized the plant for medicinal uses, such as treating respiratory ailments and digestive disorders. Additionally, certain Native American groups burned the dried plants to repel insects.
In contemporary gardening, Cleome serrulata is appreciated for its attractive floral display and ability to attract pollinators to the garden. It is often used in native wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, and naturalized landscapes due to its resilience and adaptability to a variety of soil types
The etymology of the word "Cleome serrulata" can be broken down as follows:
1. Cleome: The term "Cleome" is derived from the Greek word "kleos", meaning "fame" or "glory". It is commonly believed that this name was given due to the showy and beautiful flowers of plants in the Cleome genus.
2. Serrulata: The word "serrulata" is derived from the Latin word "serrula", which means "small saw" or "having small teeth". It is used to describe the serrated or toothed margins found on the leaves of the Cleome serrulata plant.