Caper

(Capparis spinosa)

Caper (Capparis spinosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Capparis spinosa, commonly known as Caper, is an evergreen subshrub native to a wide range of habitats including Mediterranean maquis, coastal zones, and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and Central Asia. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters). The plant has a sprawling habit with many branches and features rounded, thick, glossy green leaves that are well-adapted to its native dry environments. The caper’s flowers are large, showy, and sweetly fragrant, with four sepals and four white to pinkish-white petals, surrounded by numerous long violet-colored stamens, and a single stigma that often stands out above the stamens. Flowering occurs in the spring and fall, and the flowers are considered quite ornamental.

Capers are valued for their edible flower buds and fruit, which are typically pickled or salted and used as a culinary garnish or seasoning. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, Capparis spinosa requires well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from slow to fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions and may attract pests such as caper whitefly. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range but should be monitored to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to Mediterranean maquis, coastal zones, and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and Central Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Caper Bush , Flinders Rose , Echter Kapernstrauch

Scientific Names: Capparis spinosa , Capparis spinosa var. inermis , Capparis spinosa var. aegyptiaca , Capparis nepaulensis , Capparis aculeata , Capparis aegyptiaca , Capparis microphylla , Capparis ovalis , Capparis peduncularis , Capparis sativa , Capparis spinosa subsp. aegyptiaca

GBIF Accepted Name: Capparis spinosa L.