Hedge Caper Bush / Bumble
Origin of name
Family: CAPPARACEAE
- Capparis derived from greek “kapparis“
- sepiaria meaning “of hedges“
Occurrence
A local vine of open forest, beach forest, vine thickets and monsoon forest.
Little known in cultivation. In nature, appears to tolerate some dryness and salinity and to require full sun and good drainage. Sometimes can form impenetrable thickets.
Appearance
Medium to tall shrub or scrambler (1-3m) with hooked spines on the branches. White, long-stamened flowers (Aug-Dec) lead to clumps of black berries (1-1.5cm) with 1-2 seeds.
Flowers pollinated by bees. Can flower & fruit when still at shrub stage. Caterpillars of Northern Pearl White, Qld Pearl White, Small Pearl White, Caper White and Australian Gull butterflies eat the leaves.
