Amos Eaton included the species in 1836 in the genus "Cleome" as "C. erosa". Cleome gynandra is a species of "Cleome" that is used as a green vegetable. Cleome and clammyweed, ("Polanisia dodecandra") can sometimes be confused. Also, species such as "Cleome gynandra" produce proteins needed for photosynthesis. At least "Peritoma serrulata" has been determined to be a synonym of "Cleome serrulata". It looks similar to a close relative, the spider flower ("Cleome"). "Polanisia" seedpods project upward (whereas "Cleome" pods project out or down). "Cleome serrulata" is an annual plant growing to tall, with spirally arranged leaves.