Caper tree, Cape capers, Hedge caper-bush
Capparis sepiaria var. subglabra

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A climber or shrub. It has rigid spiny branches. The leaves are arranged in spirals. They vary in shape and size. They tend to be oval and narrow. They can be 1.3-6.2 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The leaves are pink when young. There are sharp curved spines. The flowers occur on short side branches. The fruit are round. They are about 1.3 cm wide and soft. They are smooth and purple-black when ripe. There can be several brown seeds inside. The buds can be pickled as capers.

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 scrub and coastal dunes.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, India, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The buds can be pickled as capers.

Edible parts

Buds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chikatabvuwa

Synonyms

Capparis corymbosa Lam. var. subglabra Oliv.; Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg. & Ben.; Capparis laurifolia Gilg. & A. Benn.; Capparis citrifolia Lam.;