Cleome rutidosperma DC.

Maman ungu (Cleome rutidosperma) is an annual upright herb 25-100 cm tall of the Cleomaceae family, originating from West Africa, now growing as a weed in oil palm plantations and wet tropical land in Asia. Its leaves can be eaten as a vegetable in some areas. Traditionally, maman ungu is believed to be an antidote for scorpion and snake bites, as well as relieving vaginal discharge.

Maman ungu is a plant that grows in lowlands up to elevations of 400 m above sea level with average annual rainfall ranging 1,700-3,000 mm/year. Grows well in moist and hot habitats with an average temperature of 21-24 °C. Generally found along roadsides, rice fields, fields, and sometimes lives as an epiphyte on rocks and wood.

• Roots fibrous.
• Stem upright, an herbaceous stem, smooth surface, square-shaped with thin thorns, sized 0.5-2 cm.
• Leaves compound trifoliate, arranged opposite crosswise, elongated or oblong shape, thin, soft with short thick hairs.
• Flowers small, purple petals (3-4 blades), arranged in a row on one side only. Petal tip pointed like a claw, 9-12 mm long. Stamens and pistil protruding with a blue-purple color.

Plant propagation is done generatively with seeds.

Thioglucosides (glucosinolates), alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, polyphenols, eucalyptol, amphetamine, 10,13-octadecadiynoic acid, phytol.

Antibacterial, analgesic, antiplasmodial, diuretic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidote for scorpion and snake bites, vaginal discharge, and hemorrhoids.

• Take fresh maman ungu leaves, wash thoroughly and dry.
• Once dry, store in a closed, airtight container.

Maman lanang, Maman lelaki, Gunda, Cacabean (West Java), Boboan.