Caper bush, Wild passionfruit, Flinder’s rose
Capparis nummularia

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. The branches are wiry and have spines. The spines curve backwards along the stems. The leaves are 2-4 cm across. They are rounded and have a thick texture. They are dull green. The leaf stalks are 1 cm long. The flowers are 6 cm across. They have 3 white petals. The flowers have a scent. The fruit is a berry 3 cm long. It bursts open when ripe. The fruit are edible. The buds are 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 along stream banks and rocky coastal areas in northern Australia. It has salt tolerance to sea spray. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. They are harvested after they split open when ripe. The buds are pickled as capers.

Edible parts

Fruit, flower buds - spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Arrweneng, Pajilla

Synonyms

Capparis nummularia var. minor Domin; Capparis spinosa var. nummularia (DC) F. M. Bailey; Capparis spinosa subsp. nummularia (DC.) Fici;