Description

Jamaican caper hedge description

Capparis Cynophalophora bush (Jamaican Caper) is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub. It is one of the 300 species of capparis. The Mediterranean shrub produces capers, and the condiment pickled edible flower buds.

Although, it grows wild in Florida’s dry coastal scrubs and hammocks; Jamaican caper is considered endangered. It grows to a height of 8 to 15 feet (4.57 m). Jamaican caper hedge is compact, upright, and oval or triangular with small branches. Besides, its thin smooth bark is dark gray or brown, becoming fissured as it ages.

In addition, the small leathery leaves are oblong to elliptical, alternate, evergreen, and measure 2 to 4 by 3/4  to 1 1/4 inches. Also, the underside of the leaf is tan and covered in scales. Additionally, aromatic colorful flowers are borne on twig ends, first white then pink to violet. The flowers have distinctive protruding stamens up to 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) long. They attract several insect pollinators, such as honey bees. The fruits are pods borne on thin stalks, 4 to 12 inches (30.48 cm) long, between the small brownish seeds, which attract birds. Spontaneous seedlings grow beneath the tree.

Capparis Cynophallophora cultivation

In cultivation, Jamaican caper hedge requires low maintenance in well-drained soil and has no serious pests. Also, it is an attractive choice for patios, parking lot islands and roadway medians. It can also serve as a specimen tree and an effective screening plant in shrub form. It does well in containers.

Other names: Black Caper

🌳More popular and beautiful plants: Jamaican caper tree