Common Name:

General Information

Capparis spinosa nummularia is a thorny, prostrate-spreading, evergreen shrub with branches up to 2 metres long[].
The fruit is a traditional Aboriginal food[]. 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

Range

Australia - Western Australia, Northern Territories, Queensland

Habitat

Dry river-beds, banks, open plains, bare ground, depressions and roadsides; on a variety of soils lying on
sandstone, quartzites, lava, limestone, etc.; at elevations up to 950 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Capers generally require a hot, well-drained dry position in full sun[, , ]. Plants can tolerate some frost so long as the ground is very well-drained. They generally dislike heavy soils[]. Established plants are very tolerant of drought[]. They prefer a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5, tolerating 6 - 8.3[]. They should be tolerant of a higher pH than this, particularly as they can be found in the wild on limestone based soils[].
The flowers open in the evening and fade the following morning[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. The ripe fruit, called 'arrutnenge', is eaten by the aboriginal people[] A yellow pulp[]. The yellow-orange, ellipsoid, strongly-ribbed fruit is around 22 - 40mm long and 15 - 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

None known

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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