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Reference · Crops

Capparaceae

Capers are perennial shrubs belonging to the Capparaceae family. In agriculture, the most cultivated species is Capparis spinosa. This crop is primarily valued for its immature, unopened flower buds, which are harvested and pickled to serve as a staple ingredient in global culinary traditions.

Main sections

Maerua10 Boscia7 Crateva7 Cadaba6 Morisonia4 Ritchiea3 Caper2 Capparicordis2 Steriphoma2 Anisocapparis1 Apophyllum1 Euadenia1 Gynandropsis1 Peritoma1
48 sections

What the section contains

Anisocapparis Anisocapparis 1 item Apophyllum Apophyllum 1 item Boscia Boscia 7 items Cadaba Cadaba 6 items Caper Capparis 2 items Caper bush Capparis decidua Caper bush Capparis tomentosa Caper bush Capparis cartilaginea Caper bush Capparis nobilis Caper bush of Avicenna Capparis avicennifolia Capparicordis Capparicordis 2 items Capparis apetala Capparis apetala Capparis baducca Capparis baducca Capparis brassii Capparis brassii Capparis brevispina Capparis brevispina Capparis duchesnei Capparis duchesnei Capparis fascicularis Capparis fascicularis Capparis flexuosa Capparis flexuosa Capparis lasiantha Capparis lasiantha Capparis micracantha Capparis micracantha Capparis olacifolia Capparis olacifolia Capparis ovata Capparis ovata Capparis rheedii Capparis rheedii Capparis roxburghii Capparis roxburghii Capparis scabrida Capparis scabrida Capparis sepiaria Capparis sepiaria Capparis tenera Capparis tenera Capparis yco Capparis yco Ceylon caper Capparis zeylanica Crateva Crateva 7 items Euadenia Euadenia 1 item Gynandropsis Gynandropsis DC. 1 item Gynandropsis Gynandropsis Indian caper Capparis indica Maerua Maerua 10 items Mariana Caper Capparis mariana Morisonia Morisonia 4 items Multiflora caper Capparis multiflora Peritoma Peritoma 1 item Red-fruited caper Capparis erythrocarpos Ritchiea Ritchiea 3 items Sharp-leaf caper Capparis acutifolia Shining caper Capparis lucida Sicilian caper Capparis sicula Sikkim caper Capparis sikkimensis Spider plant Cleome gynandra Steriphoma Steriphoma 2 items Wild Orange Capparis mitchellii

Capparaceae

Native to the subtropical regions of the Mediterranean and Central Asia, the caper plant is remarkably resilient. It is well-adapted to arid climates, high temperatures, and poor soil conditions. Consequently, commercial production is concentrated in countries like Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Turkey, where the plant thrives in its natural Mediterranean habitat.

Botanically, the caper plant is characterized by its sprawling habit, fleshy leaves, and a deep, extensive root system. This biological structure allows the plant to thrive in rocky, saline, or nutrient-poor soils that are otherwise unsuitable for conventional crops. The plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal irrigation once established.

Successful cultivation requires full sun exposure and well-drained, lime-rich soil. The agrotechnical management involves annual pruning to maintain plant vigor and encourage consistent budding. Proper spacing and soil aeration are crucial, as stagnant water and poorly drained conditions can lead to root rot and other physiological issues.

The primary challenges in caper management include protection against pests like the caper beetle, which feeds on the foliage and buds. Additionally, high humidity can promote fungal pathogens. Because the harvest consists of sensitive flower buds that mature rapidly, manual labor is required to ensure consistent quality, making the production process labor-intensive but highly valuable for niche markets.