Hedge caper-bush (Capparis sepiaria, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1071 (1759))

Family: Capparaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1071 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Capparis

Vegetable: False

Observations: India to China (S. Guangxi, S. Guangdong) and N. Australia

Description

The Hedge caper-bush, scientifically recognized as Capparis sepiaria, is a notable plant species belonging to the Capparaceae family. This plant has been of interest to botanists and plant enthusiasts since it was first described in 1759 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his publication “Systema Naturae” (Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1071).

Capparis sepiaria is a versatile species with a wide geographical distribution, extending from India across to the southern provinces of China, specifically in Guangxi and Guangdong, and reaching as far as northern Australia. This expansive range indicates its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and soil types, thereby marking its significant ecological presence in various habitats.

The Hedge caper-bush is appreciated both for its aesthetic appeal and its ecological significance. Within its natural habitat, it often forms dense thickets that can serve as a natural barrier or hedge, hence the common name. This growth habit also contributes to its role in preventing soil erosion and offering shelter to various forms of wildlife.

Botanically, Capparis sepiaria is characterized by its thorny branches and bright, attractive flowers, which make it not only a functional but also an ornamental addition to landscapes. The plant’s flowers typically exhibit a striking combination of colors, adding to its visual appeal and thereby attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In traditional practices, different parts of the Hedge caper-bush have been utilized for their medicinal properties. However, further scientific study and validation are crucial to fully understand and substantiate these traditional uses.

Overall, the Hedge caper-bush stands out as a resilient and multifunctional plant with a rich history and a promising future in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

En: Hedge caper-bush, Hedge Caper, Wild Caper Bush, Corymbose caper
Zh: 青皮刺
Ml: കാക്കത്തൊണ്ടി
Th: หนามวัวซัง

Synonyms

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Angola (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Chad (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 31, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7273413)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:146769-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Capparis sepiaria L.)

Specifications

Growth