This is a plant native of Mediterranean. It is cultivated in Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Italy and Spain.
This is a plant of Cappridaceae plant family. This is a small shrub. The leaf stipules are transformed into spines. The leaves are ovate – orbicular and entire. The buds are covered with white hairs. The flowers are whitish pink with long tassels of purple stamens. The fruits are berries, obovoid and ribbed.
Usage:
The flowers and the buds are not dried but pickled in vinegar. This gives its peculiar aromatic flavor. Capers are used in pasta, fish and other meat preparations. As a medicine it reduces flatulence and is anti rheumatic. It has anti oxidant property and is used in many cosmetic compositions. The bark and the root are used for curing gout.
