Care of the shrub Capparis spinosa or Caper bush |
|
The genus Capparis, family Caparidaceae, comprises 150 species of shrubs originating from the Mediterranean region and from tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. Some species are: Capparis spinosa, Capparis horrida, Capparis aphylla, Capparis sepiaria. Common names: Caper bush, Flinders rose. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are thorny shrubs with a hanging habit that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in length. The evergreen leaves are oval in shape, alternate and of a bright dark green color. The large scented flowers are highly decorative due to their pinkish-white color with purple stamens. They bloom in summer. The flower buds make up the seasoning known as capers. They are used to cover walls or slopes due to their hanging size; they are ideal for gardens by the sea. The bark has diuretic and antirheumatic medicinal properties. Capparis spinosa needs full sun exposure; they resist sporadic and mild frosts. They can grow in poor, limestone and sandy soils or in wall crevices. Planting is done in early autumn. They do not need irrigation or fertilizers. Pruning is only necessary to remove dry branches. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by semi-woody cuttings in early summer. |
Images of the shrub Capparis spinosa or Caper bush |
 Capparis spinosa  Capparis spinosa  Capparis spinosa  Capparis spinosa |