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What is Capparis?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Capparis is a genus of perennial flowering shrubs known collectively by the common name caper shrubs or caperbushes. There are many different species, many of which are used for their fruit, though the flower buds and seeds of some species are also eaten. Capparis plants are native to a wide range of tropical and subtropical habitats.

The term "caper" most often refers to Capparis spinosa, or more specifically to its flower buds, which are often pickled or salted and served as a condiment. The fruit of the shrub, called a caper berry, may also be pickled and used as an appetizer or garnish. C. spinosa is a spiny shrub with sweet-smelling, pinkish white flowers, native to the Mediterranean.

Capers.
Capers.

Capers are common in Mediterranean cuisine, such as the Italian veal piccata and puttanesca sauce. Caper leaves are also used in Greek cuisine, and are sometimes pickled or dried. In ancient Greece, capers were used to prevent abdominal gas and heartburn. The plant has also been used medicinally to treat rheumatism.

Capparis decidua, or karir, is a type of caper bush native to the Middle East, southern Asia, and parts of Africa. Its spicy, pink fruits are used in both cuisine and medicine and are often pickled, much like the flower buds and fruits of C. spinosa. Karir is also sometimes planted to prevent soil erosion.

Capers are highly popular around the Mediterranean, and feature prominently in that region's cuisine.
Capers are highly popular around the Mediterranean, and feature prominently in that region's cuisine.

Many Capparis species native to Australia feature fruits that are eaten raw. C. arborea, native to the rain forests of eastern Australia, is commonly called brush caper berry, native pomegranate, wild lemon, or wild lime. It produces a large, green fruit similar to guava. C. mitchellii is commonly called wild orange and produces a sweet orange or yellow fruit. One Australian species, C. spinosa ssp. nummularia, is a subspecies of C. spinosa known as wild passionfruit. Its fruit is bright orange and filled with spicy, black seeds that can be crushed and used as a seasoning.

Most capparis species are native to Australia.
Most capparis species are native to Australia.

Many species of Capparis have very limited geographical ranges and are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss. C. crotonantha, C. mirifica, C. panamensis, and C. uniflora, for example, all grow only in Panama. C. heterophylla is an endangered species endemic to Ecuador, while C. sprucei, endemic to Peru, is classified as vulnerable.

C. sandwichiana, called Hawaiian caper, maiapilo, or pua pilo, grows only in the Hawaiian islands, and C. pachyphylla grows only in India. C. mollicella is endemic to Mexico. C. discolor, found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama, also faces habitat loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capparis and where is it commonly found?

Capers have been used to prevent heartburn.
Capers have been used to prevent heartburn.

Capparis, commonly known as capers, refers to a genus of flowering plants that thrive in the Mediterranean region. These plants are particularly adapted to harsh, arid environments and can often be found growing in rocky crags and crevices. Their use as a culinary delicacy dates back to ancient times, with their pickled buds being a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.

How are Capparis plants used in cooking and what flavor do they add?

Capparis plants are most famously used for their unopened flower buds, known as capers, which are typically pickled or salted. They impart a distinctive tangy, lemony flavor with a hint of floral sharpness, adding a burst of flavor to dishes such as salads, pizzas, pasta, and fish. Chefs value them for their ability to enhance and complement a wide array of flavors.

Are there any nutritional benefits associated with consuming Capparis?

Yes, Capparis species, especially capers, are known for their nutritional benefits. They are low in calories but rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins such as vitamin K. According to research, capers have a high content of flavonoid compounds like rutin and quercetin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Can Capparis plants be grown at home, and if so, what conditions do they require?

It is possible to grow Capparis plants at home, though they require specific conditions to thrive. They need a sunny location with well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and poor soil quality. These plants are suitable for xeriscaping and can be grown in pots or rock gardens. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages the production of flower buds.

What other uses do Capparis plants have besides culinary?

Beyond their culinary use, Capparis plants have been utilized in traditional medicine for their potential therapeutic properties. They have been used to treat conditions like rheumatism and gout. The roots and leaves are also applied in various cultures for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, although scientific research is needed to fully validate these uses.

Are there any environmental concerns associated with the cultivation of Capparis plants?

While Capparis plants are not typically associated with significant environmental concerns, overharvesting of wild capers can lead to habitat degradation. Sustainable cultivation practices are important to ensure that natural populations are not depleted. In some regions, caper plants are cultivated under controlled conditions to meet commercial demand while preserving wild species and their habitats.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

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    • Capers.
      Capers.
    • Capers are highly popular around the Mediterranean, and feature prominently in that region's cuisine.
      By: david hughes
      Capers are highly popular around the Mediterranean, and feature prominently in that region's cuisine.
    • Most capparis species are native to Australia.
      By: Tupungato
      Most capparis species are native to Australia.
    • Capers have been used to prevent heartburn.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Capers have been used to prevent heartburn.