Capparis spinosa Caper (Capparidaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Capparis spinosa
Caper
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Capparis spinosa plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean to E. Asia - Himalayas. It is a member of the Capparidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Caper.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Capparis spinosa
Common Name:  Caper
Family:  Capparidaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  On rocks, affecting the hottest localities, to 3600 metres in the Himalayas[146]. Old walls, cliffs and rocky hillsides in the Mediterranean[187].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a well-drained dry position in full sun[187, 200]. Tolerates a pH in the range 6.3 to 8.3. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[187, 200]. A perennial species, this plant produces annual stems from a woody base[187]. Capers are often cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical zones for their aromatic flower buds, which are used as a condiment[187], they are also frequently gathered from the wild[238]. There are some named varieties[183], the most commonly cultivated form tends to be the spineless C. spinosa inermis[238].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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