Jamaica Caper
Capparis cynophallophora
Plant Family: Capparaceae
Leaves: Alternate, simple, oblong, to 12 cm, with blunt or notched apices, shiny green above, pale and scaly below.
Bark: Brown to reddish brown and lightly rough or fissured.
Flowers: White, turning purple, with 4 petals and very long stamens, found in loose clusters at the ends of the branches, very fragrant; all year, peaking in spring and summer. The flowers are short-lived, lasting just a day or two and are pollinated by night flying moths.
Fruits: A long tan-colored pod to 25 cm, when ripe it opens to reveal purple seeds in a bright red pulp; all year, peaking summer to fall.
Habitat: Hammock understory near the coast and in sandy soils; it is also planted as an ornamental for its attractive foliage; it is most common on the Keys.
Growth Form: Shrub to small tree.
Similar Species: Limber Caper (Capparis flexuosa) is similar but the leaf undersides are green and the stamens are more numerous.
Comments: The genus Capparis includes C. spinosa, the European species whose flower buds are the capers used as a condiment.
