Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 503 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000029724
Synonyms
- Capparis aculeata Steud. [unknown]
- Capparis microphylla Ledeb. [unknown]
- Capparis murrayi Stew. ex Dalzell [unknown]
- Capparis ovalis Risso [unknown]
- Capparis ovata M.Bieb. [unknown]
- Capparis peduncularis C.Presl [unknown]
- Capparis sativa Pers. [unknown]
- Capparis sicula kruegeriana Pamp. [unknown]
- Capparis spinosa kruegeriana (Pamp.) Pamp. [unknown]
- Capparis spinosa vulgaris Hook.f. & Thomson [unknown]
Description
Capparis spinosa (also called Caper Bush, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub that grows up to 3 m tall. It is native to the Mediterranean and is found in dry, rocky areas.
Uses & Benefits
Capparis spinosa, commonly known as caper, is used as a condiment and as a flavoring agent in various dishes. It is also used to make pickles and sauces. The plant is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Capparis spinosa var. aegyptia (Lam.) Boiss.
Capparis spinosa var. canescens Coss.
Capparis spinosa var. mucronifolia Hedge & Lam. ex R.R.Stewart
Capparis spinosa var. ovata (Desf.) Fici
Capparis spinosa sub. cordifolia (Lam.) Fici
Capparis spinosa sub. himalayensis (Jafri) Fici
Capparis spinosa var. parviflora (Boiss.) Boiss.
Capparis spinosa var. herbacea (Willd.) Fici
Capparis spinosa var. atlantica (Inocencio, D.Rivera, Obón & Alcaraz) Fici
Capparis spinosa var. myrtifolia (Inocencio, D.Rivera, Obón & Alcaraz) Fici
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Capparis spinosa is a white, star-shaped flower with yellow anthers. Its seeds are small and round, and its seedlings are small and thin.
Cultivation and Propagation
Capparis spinosa is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. It should be watered regularly during the growing season and can be pruned back in late winter to encourage new growth.
Where to Find Capparis spinosa
Capparis spinosa is found in the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia.
Capparis spinosa FAQ
What is the common name of Capparis spinosa?
Caper bush
What is the natural habitat of Capparis spinosa?
Dry, rocky hillsides, garrigue, maquis and other open, sunny places
What are the uses of Capparis spinosa?
The fruits, leaves, and flowers of Capparis spinosa are used for culinary and medicinal purposes
Species in the Capparis genus
Capparis spinosa,
Capparis acutifolia,
Capparis annamensis,
Capparis arborea,
Capparis artensis,
Capparis assamica,
Capparis beneolens,
Capparis bodinieri,
Capparis brachybotrya,
Capparis brassii,
Capparis brevisiliqua,
Capparis brevispina,
Capparis burmanica,
Capparis buwaldae,
Capparis callophylla,
Capparis canescens,
Capparis cantoniensis,
Capparis cartilaginea,
Capparis cataphyllosa,
Capparis chingiana,
Capparis chrysomeia,
Capparis cinerea,
Capparis cleghornii,
Capparis corymbosa,
Capparis cucurbitina,
Capparis cuneiformis,
Capparis dasyphylla,
Capparis decidua,
Capparis diffusa,
Capparis dioica,
Capparis divaricata,
Capparis diversifolia,
Capparis echinocarpa,
Capparis elaeagnifolia,
Capparis erycibe,
Capparis erythrocarpos,
Capparis fascicularis,
Capparis fengii,
Capparis flavicans,
Capparis floribunda,
Capparis floribunda,
Capparis fohaiensis,
Capparis fontanesii,
Capparis formosana,
Capparis fusifera,
Capparis grandidiera,
Capparis grandiflora,
Capparis grandis,
Capparis hainanensis,
Capparis henryi,
Species in the Capparaceae family
Acome micrantha,
Bachmannia woodii,
Beautempsia avicenniifolia,
Boscia albitrunca,
Boscia arabica,
Boscia cauliflora,
Boscia coriacea,
Boscia fadeniorum,
Boscia foetida,
Boscia gossweileri,
Boscia kalachariensis,
Boscia keniensis,
Boscia longifolia,
Boscia madagascariensis,
Boscia matabelensis,
Boscia mazzocchii,
Boscia microphylla,
Boscia minimifolia,
Boscia mossambicensis,
Boscia oleoides,
Boscia pestalozziana,
Boscia plantefolii,
Boscia polyantha,
Boscia praecox,
Boscia pruinosa,
Boscia puberula,
Boscia rotundifolia,
Boscia salicifolia,
Boscia senegalensis,
Boscia tomentosa,
Boscia urens,
Boscia welwitschii,
Boscia albitrunca,
Boscia integrifolia,
Buchholzia coriacea,
Buchholzia tholloniana,
Cadaba aphylla,
Cadaba baccarinii,
Cadaba barbigera,
Cadaba benguellensis,
Cadaba capparoides,
Cadaba carneoviridis,
Cadaba divaricata,
Cadaba farinosa,
Cadaba fruticosa,
Cadaba gillettii,
Cadaba glaberrima,
Cadaba glandulosa,
Cadaba insularis,
Cadaba kassasii,