Capparis sepiaria

HABIT: Capparis sepiaria is a deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 2 meters in height. It has a sprawling, bushy habit with multiple branches. The plant often forms thickets or dense clusters due to its ability to spread through suckering. The branches are thin, flexible, and covered with green or brownish bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a shiny appearance. They are oblong or elliptical in shape, with a smooth margin and a prominent midrib. Produces beautiful, showy flowers that are one of its most notable features. The flowers are large, solitary, and have a white to pale pink color. They have four petals and numerous stamens, giving them a star-like appearance. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After the flowers are fertilized, they develop into fruits. The fruits are berry-like and rounded. They start off green and turn yellow when ripe. The fruits contain numerous tiny seeds.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least concern

MEDICINAL USES: C. sepiaria has traditionally been used as a blood purifier, stomach discomfort reliever, tonic, and appetiser. Its flowers, leaves, and roots are used to treat cough and toxaemia, and root powder is also used to treat snakebite. It also has febrifuge effects and is used to treat skin problems, tumours, inflammation, and muscular ailments (Selvamani, P., Latha, S., Elayaraja, K., Babu, P. S., Gupta, J. K., Pal, T. K., ... & Sen, D. J. (2008). Antidiabetic activity of the ethanol extract of Capparis sepiaria L leaves. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 70(3), 378.).

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Its unopened flower buds and young fruits are pickled and used in culinary preparations, adding a tangy flavor to dishes. The plant is also valued for its medicinal properties, with different parts used to treat ailments such as skin infections, digestive disorders, and respiratory conditions. Additionally, Capparis sepiaria is utilized for dye production, as its roots and stems yield a yellow dye for textiles. It holds cultural significance in some regions and is incorporated into rituals and traditional ceremonies.