Common Name:

General Information

Capparis spinosa cordifolia is a thorny, erect or prostrate, evergreen shrub with branches usually 1 - 2 metres long, sometimes to 4 metres[], the plant sometimes reaching 3 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a food[]. It was at one time commonly harvested from the wild in the Pacific Islands, and exported as capers for use as a food flavouring[]. It has also been cultivated for this purpose in the Philippines[]. A very ornamental plant, mainly due to its beautiful and wonderfully fragrant flowers; it can be used as a ground cover or hedge for dry coastal coralline or lava gardens[]. Only the uses specifically ascribed to this subspecies are recorded here. Go to Capparis spinosa for the full list of uses for the species.

Known Hazards

Caper extracts and pulps have been used in cosmetics, but there have been cases reported of contact dermatitis and sensitivity from their use[].

Botanical References

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Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia and the Phillipines, east through New Guinea to the Pacific Islands

Habitat

Rocky shores, cliffs; on coral, limestone and volcanic rocks; at elevations up to 350 metres[]. Generally a plant of coastal areas but occasionally found inland in dry areas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a well-drained soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[]. In the wild the plant is tolerant of salt-laden winds[]. The plant can be a rather fussy grower under cultivation[].
Once established, the plant grows rapidly and soon produces flowers[].
Plants can flower all year round[].
The flowers open in the evening and fade the following morning[].

Edible Uses

Both the flower buds and sometimes the young fruits are pickled and used as a relish[]. They are used as a flavouring in sauces, salads etc[].
The ellipsoid or oblong fruit is around 25 - 50mm long and 13 - 25mm wide[].

The above is information we have found specifically applying to this subspecies. Go to the record for Capparis spinosa to obtain further information on the full range of uses for this subspecies.

Medicinal

In Hawaii the plant, locally named 'pilo' or 'maiapilo', is valuable for the medicinal properties of its root, traditionally used for treating sprains, bruises, broken bones, as well as for fresh blending cuts[].

The entire plant has been used for healing fractured or broken bones. The whole plant would be pounded and applied to body joints, never to the injured area[].

The milky sap, mixed with other ingredients, has been applied externally to treat boils[].

The above is information we have found specifically applying to this subspecies. Go to the record for Capparis spinosa to obtain further information on the full range of uses for this subspecies.

Agroforestry Uses:

A good ground cover plant or small bush for dry coastal coralline or lava gardens. Some varieties have a sprawling habit, while others are more shrub-like[].
The plant is tolerant of trimming and pruning, so can be grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Caper seeds are miniscule and seedlings are very slow growing. The fresh seed germinates quickly, although germination rates are usually quite low[]. Dried seed becomes dormant and notably difficult to germinate - pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water at around 40°c which is then allowed to cool. Then wrap them in a moist cloth, place them in a sealed glass jar and kept in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 months. After refrigeration, soak the seeds again in warm water overnight. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep in a loose well drained soil medium[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a sandy medium[]. Use stems from the basal portions, greater than 1cm diameter and 8cm long with 6 - 10 buds. Use a loose, well drained media with bottom heat. A 70% rooting percentage would be considered good[]

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