Bush Caper
Capparis lasiantha

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. It scrambles over other plants. The stems are zigzag in shape. There are a pair of backward curving spines at each angle along the stem. The leaves are oblong and blunt. They are thick and leathery. They are 2-5 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. The flowers are white or cream and fluffy. The flowers are 1.5-2 cm across. The occur either singly or in pairs in the axils of leaves. They have a sweet smell. The fruit is an orange berry 3-4 cm long. It is oval shaped and contains many seeds. It is edible.

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 inland areas in Australia. It is very drought resistant. It can also grow in monsoon forest. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 600 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Alurra, Babingi, Barigan, Guwiibirr, Jilpukarri, Nepine, Ngaybaan, Nipand, Pampilyi, Split-jack, Thulla-kurbin, Wild Orange, Wait-a-while, Wyjeelah

Synonyms

Capparis lasiantha var. citricarpa Domin; Capparis lasiantha var. normalis; Capparis lasiantha var. rhombifolia Domin;