Capparis decidua (Caper, Caper Berry, Dela, Kair, Kerda, Karir, Kirir, Karril, Injet, (Hindi); करीर or कैर , (Sindhi); ڪِرڙ )


Botanical Information

FamilyCapparaceae
GenusCapparis
Speciesdecidua
Synonyms(Brassicaceae) family
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
OriginIndia (Rajasthan and Gujarat), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Jordan, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa and Sudan.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The hardwood is used as firewood, while the fruit is eatable and is often used to spice curries, pickles and vegetables. It may also have medicinal value locally. Immature flower buds are pickled and produce Capers.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneTolerant of light frost
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height5 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMarch, April, May, June, July, October, November

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA shrub or small tree with potential ornamental value taking on a tree-like form after several decades of growth.
LandscapeAble to withstand long periods of drought and considered a pioneer species on sandy soils the plant also has unrecognized potential as an ornamental species because of its attractive blooms.
PropagationBy root suckers, since the plant suckers quite freely.
Notable SpecimensAs a street tree in Kair, India.
Leaf DescriptionSmall cauducous leaves found only on young shoots.
Flower DescriptionPink and red blooms.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit matures to greenish-pink to red, is plum-shaped and ranges in size from about the size of a peppercorn to a large blueberry. Fruit ripens in May through July with a possible winter crop ripening in December which is usually of lesser quality. Ripe fruit eagerly consumed by birds.

Photographs