Capparis sepiaria

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A shrub or climber. It is thorny. The leaves are oval to sword shaped. The flowers are white. They are in groups with very short stalks. The fruit is round and smooth. They are yellow to black.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In the Himalayas it grows up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Ethiopia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are also used for pickles. The leaves are boiled and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Cap ban-nao, Ekadulyai, Gajije, Hnget-kway-sa, Karva, Kodoch, Lamboy, Sugauk, Tsiravimbelonitra, Umukorokoombe, Voafasolahy

Synonyms

Capparis affinis Merr.; Capparis citrifolia Lam.; and several others