Cleome gynandra: A wonder climate-smart plant for nutritional security for millions in semi-arid areas

Abstract

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) is predominantly used as a traditional leafy vegetable throughout Africa and is considered a rich natural source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins. With the increase in malnutrition, diet related non-communicable diseases and poverty across the continent of Africa, the spider plant is a bona fide alternative healthy food crop to alleviate these challenges. Spider plant is an erect annual herb that could grow up to 150 cm tall, strongly branched, with a long taproot and few secondary roots. It is commonly consumed in resource-poor communities especially during times of major food scarcity. It is a drought-tolerant and resilient annual vegetable crop capable of growing well in a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions. Despite the potential benefits and wide adaptability, progressive attempts towards the development of C. gynandra as a crop have been impeded by issues like low investment in research and development resulting in poor seed quality, relatively low yields and susceptibility to pests and diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the research that has been done regarding its morphology, growing conditions, production and utilisation (i.e., nutrition). The current review highlighted the status of the science in advancing the domestication of C. gynandra as a potential power crop for several African countries. The review concluded that with the advancement of modern biotechnology techniques and genome sequencing, there is a compelling case for investment and development in C. gynandra as a candidate for managing micronutrient deficiencies during the post-pandemic era. Finally, the existing knowledge gaps (e.g., breeding) that necessitate explorations were identified and recommendations that could enhance its development and potential commercialisation were made.

Verification of Maman (Cleome gynandra (L.) Briq.) from Riau Based on matK and trnL-trnL-trnF Intergenic Spacer

“…Field observation was conducted to characterize of the morphological characteristics from three plants of maman from Riau. The characterization was performed referring to Mashamaite et al (2022). Maman fresh leaves were then used to extract the total DNA using the Genomic DNA Mini Kit Plant (Geneaid).…”

“…Furthermore, Cleome gynandra has the synonymous name to G. gynandra (Mashamaite et al, 2022) (Roalson & Hall, 2017).…”

Effects of different levels of gibberellic acid and potassium nitrate solutions on the emergence and seedling vigor of amaranth and Cleome gynandra

“…The leaves are palmately compound with three to seven leaflets, while the stem is sticky with granular and longitudinal parallel (DAFF, 2013; Shilla et al., 2019). The pigment of the stem varies from green to purple (Mashamaite et al., 2022). The flowers are small, white or pink in color (DAFF, 2013), while the fruits are tiny with brown seeds that are circular in shape with rough seed coats (DAFF, 2013).…”

“…In SSA, it is mostly found in Botswana, Malawi, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (Chataika et al., 2020; Jinazali et al., 2017; Omondi et al., 2017). Cleome gynandra is an erect, annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 1.5‐m tall and branches from the bottom (Mashamaite et al., 2022). The leaves are palmately compound with three to seven leaflets, while the stem is sticky with granular and longitudinal parallel (DAFF, 2013; Shilla et al., 2019).…”

Documentation of ethnomedicinal plants used by the people living in reserved forests of semi-arid region Punjab Pakistan

“…Despite their potential benefits, the use of medicinal plants in semi-arid regions faces challenges (Mashamaite et al 2022). Climate change and habitat degradation pose threats to the sustainability of these plants (Rai and Singh 2022).…”