Bumble
Capparis sepiaria var. fischeri

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can be a scrambler. It grows 1-3 m high. The branches have small spines which curve backwards. The leaves are like membranes. They are oval and leathery. They are 2.5-7 cm long. The flowers are white or cream. They are 2 cm across. The flowers are on stalks 2 cm long and in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit are berries. They are yellowish to black and 2 cm across. They contain 1-4 seeds. The seeds are kidney shaped and 4 mm long.

There are about 250 Capparis species. There are about 50 Capparis species in tropical America.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal scrubs in tropical areas. It requires a well drained soil and sunny location. It grows in the Sahel savannah. It can grow from sea level to 1,600 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, East Africa, Ghana, Kenya, India, Indochina, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sahel, SE Asia, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. CAUTION: There are reports that the leaves may be poisonous.

They are a famine food.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Diemar, Gedh-chala, Gora, Gurso, Itandamboo, Janibaibai, K 'abdobo, Muthandambogo, Silikoore

Synonyms

Capparis cerasiflora Gilg; Capparis djurica Gilg & Benedict; Capparis fischeri Pax; Capparis micrantha A. Rich.;