Caper,Common Caper, Caper Bush

Capparis spinosa

Physical Characteristics

Capparis spinosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean to E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment The flower buds are pickled and used as a flavouring in sauces, salads etc[146, 183]. The young fruits and tender branch tips can also be pickled and used as a condiment[183, 238]. The flower buds are harvested in the early morning and wilted before pickling them in white vinegar[238]. Young shoots - cooked and used like asparagus[177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anthelmintic Antihaemorrhoidal Aperient Deobstruent Depurative Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Tonic Vasoconstrictor The root-bark is analgesic, anthelmintic, antihaemorrhoidal, aperient, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, tonic and vasoconstrictive[7]. It is used internally in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoea, gout and rheumatism[238, 240]. Externally, it is used to treat skin conditions, capillary weakness and easy bruising[254]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. The stem bark is bitter and diuretic[254]. If taken before meals it will increase the appetite[254]. The unopened flower buds are laxative[254]. They are used internally in the treatment of coughs, and externally to treat eye infections[238]. The buds are a rich source of compounds known as aldose-reductose inhibitors - it has been shown that these compounds are effective in preventing the formation of cataracts. The buds are harvested before the flowers open and can be pickled for later use - when prepared correctly they are said to ease stomach pain[254]. A decoction of the plant is used to treat vaginal thrush[7, 254]. The leaves are bruised and applied as a poultice in the treatment of gout[240].

Known Hazards

None known