Capparis cynophallophora, Jamaica Caper

This 6- to 18-foot-tall, native shrub is an upright to spreading plant that is related to the plant producing edible capers. The evergreen leaves of the Jamaica Caper are light-green above, with fine brown scales below. These glossy, oval leaves are folded together when they first emerge and give the plant's new growth a bronze appearance. The leaves also have a notched tip. Twigs are brownish gray and pubescent. Jamaica Caper flowers have very showy, two-inch-long, purple stamens and white anthers and white petals. The inflorescence is comprised of terminal clusters consisting of 3 to 10 individual flowers. The fruits are 3- to 8-inch-long cylindrical pods containing small brown seeds that are embedded in a scarlet pulp.

Jamaica Capper can be utilized as an understory tree in the partial shade, or grow Capparis cynophallophora in an area that receives full sun to medium shade. This plant performs well in soils with good drainage and can tolerate cold temperatures to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also drought resistant and responds to fertilizer with vigorous growth. Train the plant into a tree by removing low, drooping branches, and heading upright branches when they are small in diameter to thicken their diameter. It can also be clipped into a hedge or tall screen to block an undesirable view.

Plants serve as larvae hosts for the Florida white (Appias drusilla) butterfly.

National champion for this Florida native is 15 x 20 feet in Florida.