It comprises some 275 species in 12 genera. Most are annual herbs, but some are shrubs, trees, or climbers. This genus of 150 species is distributed throughout tropical and warm temperate regions.
Some species bear prickles.
C. rosea Poit. Cleome spinosa Jacq. This species is a half-hardy plant which is becoming increasingly popular in European gardens. It bears stipular prickles at the bases of the petioles. A female gardener developed dermatitis of the hands from contact with the plant.