Capparis himalayensis

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can be lying flat or hanging. It grows 50-80 cm tall. The new branches have white hairs. The leaves are oval or almost round. They are 1-3 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The fruit are 3 cm long by 1.8 cm wide. There are 40-60 seeds in a fruit.

Where it is found

It grows in cold desert in north India. It grows between 2,500-3,000 m above sea level in India. In western China plants grow on desert flats below 1,100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Central Asia, China, Georgia, Himalayas, India, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

It is eaten fresh, cooked or used in pickles.

The ripe fruit are eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, vegetable, leaves, flower bud - spice

How it is grown

In western China plants flower in June and July and fruit in August and September.

Its other names

Local names

Bauri, Kabra, Kiari, Rohtokpa

Synonyms

Capparis spinosa var. himalayensis (Jafri) Jacob;