About Sieruela rutidosperma (DC.) Roalson & J.C.Hall
Sieruela rutidosperma (DC.) Roalson & J.C.Hall, formerly known as Cleome rutidosperma, is a small herbaceous plant. It usually grows to a height of 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in), and can reach up to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall. This species has trifoliate leaves. It grows rapidly and can produce a large number of viable seeds in a short time.
Seeds develop inside pods that split open when the pods dry out. The seeds are black, and range from 7 to 16 millimetres (0.28 to 0.63 in) in length. Each seed has an elaiosome, a fleshy structure high in protein and lipids. Ants collect these seeds and store them underground. The ants eat the elaiosomes, leaving the seeds themselves undamaged, and the seeds eventually germinate underground. This seed dispersal interaction with ants speeds up the spread of the plant.
Sieruela rutidosperma is native to West Africa, where it most often inhabits coastal regions, though its range can extend into inland areas. It has been introduced to other regions worldwide, and is currently found in tropical and subtropical areas across Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Pacific, and Oceania. It typically grows in recently disturbed soils, including gardens, roadsides, and agricultural fields. It can also grow as an epiphyte on rock faces and tree hosts.
