Caper Berry and Capers
Caper berries and capers come from the same plant, the difference is that capers are unopened flower bud while caper berries are the fruit that follows the flowers. So Capers, eventually6 turn into Caper Berries.
Caperberries are around the size of a small olive and are milder in taste to capers.
Plant Description
The Caper Berry plant, Capparis spinosa rupestris is a low growing bush to 1m, with flowers in autumn. Its continual flowering and drought tolerant nature makes it popular as a garden plant as well. A deep root system makes these plants hardy in the Australian climate. They are grown commercially in both south Australia and Western Victoria.
Growing conditions
These are a tough plant that require little to no extra water, they thrive in full sun and provided they have good drainage should present no problems in the temperate regions. The small white flowers are attractive with wonderful purple stamens, making the caper an attractive garden plant. Low growing with nice arching foliage.
Although this plant love hot temperatures, frost are problem during the active growing season.
Propagation
Capers can be grown from seed, however germination is difficult, plants propageted from cuttings are much more widely used.
Harvesting
The caper berry has traditionally been grown for the capers that are actually unopened flower buds. The caper berries that follow the flowers are also harvested. If you are growing Capparis spinosa rupestris for the capers and caper berries, try a trellis to lift the plants above the ground.
Caper Berry Plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au