Common Name:

General Information

Capparis spinosa himalayensis is a thorny, prostrate-spreading or hanging, evergreen shrub[].
We have seen no specific information on the uses of this subspecies, but it is likely to be used in at least some of the ways that other subspecies are used. See Capparis spinosa for information on these uses.

Known Hazards

Caper extracts and pulps have been used in cosmetics, but there have been cases reported of contact dermatitis and sensitivity from their use[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northeastern Pakistan, northern India, Nepal

Habitat

Open dry slopes, rocky ground, cliffs; at elevations up to 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Capparis spinosa himalayensis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Himalayas. It should tolerate some frost and is likely to succeed outdoors in the mildest regions of the temperate zone so long as the climate is not wet and the soil is very free-draining.
Capers generally require a hot, well-drained dry position in full sun[, , ]. Plants can tolerate some frost so long as the ground is very well-drained. They generally dislike heavy soils[]. Established plants are very tolerant of drought[]. They prefer a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5, tolerating 6 - 8.3[].

Edible Uses

The obovoid fruit is around 20 - 25mm long and 10 - 15mm wide[].

We have seen no specific information on the uses of this subspecies, but it is likely to be used in at least some of the ways that other subspecies are used. See Capparis spinosa for information on these uses.

Medicinal

We have seen no specific information on the uses of this subspecies, but it is likely to be used in at least some of the ways that other subspecies are used. See Capparis spinosa for information on these uses.

Other Uses

We have seen no specific information on the uses of this subspecies, but it is likely to be used in at least some of the ways that other subspecies are used. See Capparis spinosa for information on these uses.

Propagation

Caper seeds are miniscule and seedlings are very slow growing. The fresh seed germinates quickly, although germination rates are usually quite low[]. Dried seed becomes dormant and notably difficult to germinate - pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water at around 40°c which is then allowed to cool. Then wrap them in a moist cloth, place them in a sealed glass jar and kept in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 months. After refrigeration, soak the seeds again in warm water overnight. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep in a loose well drained soil medium in a sunny position in a greenhouse[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of well-drained soil when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid-summer in a sandy medium in a cold frame[]. Use stems from the basal portions, greater than 1cm diameter and 8cm long with 6 - 10 buds. Use a loose, well drained media with bottom heat. A 70% rooting percentage would be considered good[]