Wild desert orange, Wild caper
Capparis mitchellii

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub or small spreading tree. It grows 3-10 m high. The branches have spines. The leaves are oval and rigid and leathery. They are 2-6 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are white or cream. They are about 5 cm across. They are on stalks 3-4 cm long. They occur singly in the axils of leaves or in small clumps near the ends of branches. The fruit are berries. They are 4-7 cm across. They are round and purple or dull orange. The fruit are edible.

There are about 250 Capparis species. There are about 50 Capparis species in tropical America.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows in inland areas in Australia. They can grow on most soils. They will not tolerate poor drainage. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit can be cooked and eaten with chicken, lamb and rice.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Fruit need to be very ripe.

Its other names

Local names

Atakwey, Atwakey, Bumbil, Bumble tree, Bambul, Kajawarri, Native Orange, Tree Caper

Synonyms

Busbeckia mitchellii F. Muell.;