Cleomella palmeriana (Palmer's Bee Plant)
Cleomaceae (Cleome Family)
formerly Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Semi-desert. Sand and clay openings. Spring.
Southeast Corner of Utah, April 17, 2010.

It is easy to pass this plant by as a Peritoma lutea but Cleomella palmeriana is only about one tenth the size of Peritoma lutea and when the two plants are in fruit another distinguishing characteristic becomes apparent: Peritome's fruits are much longer than broad with numerous seeds; Cleomella's fruits are about as long as broad and have two to twelve seeds.

Cleomella palmeriana was named by Marcus Jones in 1891 from a collection he made in Utah in 1890.  The word "Cleome" is of uncertain origin; "Cleomella" means "tiny Cleome".  Edward Palmer (1829-1911) was a highly respected botanist in the American Southwest and in Mexico.  (Click for more biographical information about Palmer).

Cleomella palmeriana (Palmer's Bee Plant)
Cleomaceae (Cleome Family)
formerly Capparaceae (Caper Family)

Semi-desert. Sand and clay openings. Spring.
Southeast Corner of Utah, April 17, 2010.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Cleomella palmeriana