Northern Wild Orange
Origin of name
Family: CAPPARACEAE
- Capparis derived from greek “kapparis“
- umbonata meaning “with a central bump“
Occurrence
A local plant of open forest, often along seasonal streams.
Tolerates a range of soil types. Needs good drainage; prefers full sun. Very drought hardy.
Appearance
Straggly, spiny shrub that develops a main trunk to become attractive, small tree (3-7m) with spreading branches & drooping, narrow leaves. No spines on adult branches. Showy, white, long-stamened flowers (sporadic) lead to round, green fruit (2-4cm) that ripen to yellow/red.
Indigenous use: Fruit pulp (bush tucker); infusions of bark/leaf (medicine). Small tree with attractive form and foliage in gardens and very showy flowers. Food plant for larvae of Caper White butterfly & other insects.
