14 Jan Spider plant, Ribbon plant
Chlorophytum comosum
A very old fashioned plant the Spider or
Ribbon plant is still popular in rockeries or
hanging baskets because of its ability to
Family: with stand drought conditions.
Family: Anthericaceae
Origin: South Africa
Habit: A tufted grass-like perennial herb, to 60cm high.
Leaves: Linear strap/grass-like leaves to 1cm wide and 60cm long forming
a point at the apex, leaves may be solid green, although the
variegated form with pale green and white longitudinal stripes
is more common.
Flowers: Small white flowers with six petals are borne along outward
arching wiry stalks in branching heads for most of the year.
Fruit: Small plantlets are produced at the tips of the flowering
branches. When the branches bend over and the plantlets come
into contact with the soil they take root. Capsules are formed
that contain many seeds.
Roots: Fleshy tuberous roots 5-10cm long form at the base of clumps.
Dispersal: Main method of reproduction is vegetative where by new plantlets
take root. Spread by humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving
equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse dumping.
Control: Hand pull/dig, bagging all plant parts and removing from site.
Foliar spray.