Flower · GBIF taxon 3872463
Cleome Houtteana
Tarenaya hasslerianaAlso known as Spider Plant, Pink Queen, Grandfather's Whiskers
Spider flowers produce dramatic terminal racemes of pink, purple, or white blossoms framed by exceptionally long, threadlike stamens that suggest arachnid legs. Glandular hairs cover the foliage, releasing a musky, pungent scent when brushed, while small spine-like stipules protect the leaf axils. Adapted to open floodplains and disturbed ground in subtropical South America, this fast-growing annual blooms continuously from midsummer until the first hard autumn frost.
FloweringAnnualSubtropical
Licensed referenceUser:Schoinard / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
- Flea beetles
- Cabbage white caterpillars
- Aphids
ThreatsHabitat conversion, extreme cold, and herbicide application in agricultural borders
HabitatsRiverbanks, floodplains, pastures, disturbed meadows, and garden margins
Life span1 year (annual)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderBrassicales
- FamilyCleomaceae
- GenusTarenaya
- SpeciesTarenaya hassleriana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance, though stems possess sticky hairs and small spines.
Responsible observation
- Observation Timing: Visit blossoms in early morning or at dusk when fragrant nectar flows peak.
- Handling Precaution: Wear light garden gloves if weeding nearby to avoid sharp stipular spines.
Herbivore John Tann from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Pollinator Andreas Trepte / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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