{"id":1066,"date":"2023-12-16T15:22:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-16T07:22:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.org.au\/wp\/?page_id=1066"},"modified":"2025-01-01T15:07:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T07:07:16","slug":"capparis-spinosa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/fruit-trees\/capparis-spinosa\/","title":{"rendered":"Capparis spinosa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Capparis spinosa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Capers, caper bush, Flinders rose<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-992\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-90-1 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-992 ml-slider ms-theme-default nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"Slideshow\" aria-label=\"Capparis spinosa\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_992\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_992\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-4506 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-4506\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cappari-flower-buds.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cappari-flower-buds-300x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-992 slide-4506\" title=\"Edible green flower buds\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-4508 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-4508\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cappari-flower.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cappari-flower-300x200.jpg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-992 slide-4508\" title=\"Flower with numerous stamens &amp; long pistil\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-993 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-993\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/CaperBush.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/CaperBush-300x200.jpeg\" height=\"200\" width=\"300\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-992 slide-993\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Origin<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Capers are native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Western &amp; Central Asia, China, the Indian sub-continent &amp; Australia.&nbsp; Archaeological studies in Egypt, Syria &amp; China indicate different plant parts were used as condiments &amp; to treat a wide range of medical ailments thousands of yrs ago.&nbsp; Mediterranean countries account for most commercial production nowadays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Mediterranean-type climate, semi-arid or arid where rainfall may be &lt;300mm\/yr. It is well adapted to harsh environments. They grow well in Perth, plus areas as far north as Geraldton and in the South West.&nbsp; Frost may affect the growth of young plants &amp; with maturity they can tolerate temperatures above 40\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Description<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Capparis spinosa L.<\/em> (caper) is the type species of the genus which exhibits diverse morphology. It is a small <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3205 classtoolTips3205'>deciduous<\/span> prostrate <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3471 classtoolTips3471'>xerophilous<\/span> <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3344 classtoolTips3344'>perennial<\/span> shrub growing to 50-80cm high with branches 1-3 m long. Roots can be several metres long with biomass greater than above-ground parts, enabling very efficient scavenging of soil water at depth; roots can also store water for use when needed.&nbsp; Densely-crowded alternate <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3335 classtoolTips3335'>ovate<\/span>-<span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3296 classtoolTips3296'>lanceolate<\/span> simple leaves are 2-5cm long, leathery, <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3256 classtoolTips3256'>glabrous<\/span> or <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3374 classtoolTips3374'>pubescent<\/span>, green on top, silverish underneath, &amp; sometimes have prominent veins.&nbsp; Stipules are commonly expressed as <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3444 classtoolTips3444'>thorns<\/span>, giving the species its name. Diploid chromosome number is 38.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relatives<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It is in the Capparaceae family which has 40-45 genera and 700-900 species. There are currently 143 accepted species in <em>Capparis,<\/em> with numerous sub-species &amp; <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3457 classtoolTips3457'>varieties<\/span>. <em>C nummularia<\/em> is variously described as a spinosa <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3457 classtoolTips3457'>variety<\/span> or as a separate species; it is the taxon most commonly found in Australia. Inter-species &amp; varietal crossing occurs frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soils<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>With good drainage, capers can be grown in a wide range of soils including those that are poor &amp; infertile. Preference is for sandy &amp; sandy loams with pH 7.5-8. The plant has relatively good salt tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Propagation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeds are the main means of propagation.&nbsp; Stored at low <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_4370 classtoolTips4370'>humidity<\/span> &amp; temperature they maintain their viability for a few years. Capers are usually found to be difficult to propagate &amp; this is mainly due to the tough &amp; relatively impermeable <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3403 classtoolTips3403'>seed coat<\/span>.&nbsp; However if they are <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3897 classtoolTips3897'>scarified<\/span> (mechanical or acid), then adequate <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3279 classtoolTips3279'>imbibition<\/span> can occur with <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3232 classtoolTips3232'>epigeal<\/span> germination in 25-30 days &amp; success rates of 60% or more.&nbsp; Equivalent results can also be achieved using 15cm long soft wood <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3202 classtoolTips3202'>cuttings<\/span> after dipping in <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3390 classtoolTips3390'>rooting hormone<\/span>, preferably with use of bottom heat. <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3774 classtoolTips3774'>Grafting<\/span> is less commonly used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultivars<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Varieties have been selected for spinelessness, round firm <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3159 classtoolTips3159'>buds<\/span>, flavour, high yield, and coordinated flowering periods, but they are very difficult to source in Australia. Little breeding work has been done, meaning the species is still basically in the wild state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flowering and Pollination<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p><span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3288 classtoolTips3288'>Inflorescences<\/span> are usually <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3145 classtoolTips3145'>axillary<\/span>, 2-10 flowered but most often single.\u00a0 Attractive &amp; fragrant <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3130 classtoolTips3130'>andromonoecious<\/span> flowers about 7cm wide are mainly symmetrical &amp; nocturnal, from 6pm to 10am the next morning. The <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3168 classtoolTips3168'>calyx<\/span> has 4 <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3405 classtoolTips3405'>sepals<\/span> &amp; 4 attractive white or white-pinkish rounded petals. There may be up to 200 <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3417 classtoolTips3417'>stamens<\/span> with long white\/purplish <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3246 classtoolTips3246'>filaments<\/span>. The 3-6cm long <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3431 classtoolTips3431'>superior ovary<\/span> has 5-10 <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3173 classtoolTips3173'>carpels<\/span> &amp; is supported on a substantial <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3265 classtoolTips3265'>gynophore<\/span>.\u00a0 Continuous flowering is from late October to May in Perth, with insects &amp; especially bees being the main pollinators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultivation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Transplanting should be done in wet weather &amp; spaced 2-2.5m apart.&nbsp; First-year plants should be adequately mulched; <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3321 classtoolTips3321'>mycorrhizal<\/span> associations assist nutrient uptake in poor soils. They are slow to establish but can live for 20-30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardiness allows commercial plants to be grown in non-irrigated areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wind Tolerance<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>As a low spreading shrub, capers have good wind tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pruning<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Heavy branch pruning is crucial for good production as flower buds develop on one-year-old branches.&nbsp; Any dead wood or water sprouts should be removed during the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Fruit<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The small (1.5-5 X 1-2cm) obovoid <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3148 classtoolTips3148'>berry<\/span> has a thin smooth or ribbed <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3347 classtoolTips3347'>pericarp<\/span> &amp; is usually <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3207 classtoolTips3207'>dehiscent<\/span>.&nbsp; It\u2019s the immature green flower buds that are mainly used. If flower buds ae not picked green they will develop into flowers and eventually into the small mature fruits that have pale crimson flesh &amp; up to 400 minute (150\/g) reddish-brown seeds. Fruits are also edible and have a milder taste than the immature flower buds. Useful levels of antioxidants have been reported in the buds &amp; other plant parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruit Production and Harvesting<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants begin flowering &amp; fruiting after about 4 years. Buds can be picked by hand every few days, with up to 3 kg\/plant\/ yr possible when fully mature.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruit Uses<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Fresh caper fruit buds and <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3148 classtoolTips3148'>berries<\/span> have an intensely bitter taste, but pickling in white vinegar removes this. They are used as a garnish, in salads &amp; salad dressings &amp; as condiments; they have a sharp, piquant flavour due to release of mustard oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unripe fruits and young twigs are sometimes also pickled, &amp; caper berries are sometimes fermented in water for 4-7 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pests and Diseases<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>None have been noticed in suburban Perth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comments<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Capers grow well in home gardens here &amp; one plant should be enough for a family\u2019s needs.&nbsp; Plus, they are attractive and hardy, requiring very little water once established. Picking and pruning should be done regularly.&nbsp; Bushes can be planted on slopes to control erosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Capparis spinosa Capers, caper bush, Flinders rose Origin Capers are native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Western &amp; Central Asia, China, the Indian sub-continent &amp; Australia.&nbsp; Archaeological studies in Egypt, Syria &amp; China indicate different plant parts were used as condiments &amp; to treat a wide range of medical ailments thousands of yrs ago.&nbsp; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"iawp_total_views":282,"footnotes":""},"folder":[94],"class_list":["post-1066","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1066","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1066"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1066\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4504,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1066\/revisions\/4504"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1066"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=1066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}