Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the typical number of sepals and petals found in Capparis flowers?
What is the typical number of sepals and petals found in Capparis flowers?
What is the primary use of Capparis spinosa?
What is the primary use of Capparis spinosa?
What is the characteristic of the ovary in Capparis flowers?
What is the characteristic of the ovary in Capparis flowers?
What is the name of the sweet-tasting proteins found in Mabinlang seeds?
What is the name of the sweet-tasting proteins found in Mabinlang seeds?
Signup and view all the answers
In which family was the genus Capparis previously included?
In which family was the genus Capparis previously included?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the alternative name for Capparis canescens used by the indigenous people of the Rockhampton area of Queensland?
What was the alternative name for Capparis canescens used by the indigenous people of the Rockhampton area of Queensland?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main benefit of using Capparis decidua in landscape gardening?
What is the main benefit of using Capparis decidua in landscape gardening?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following butterflies is known to visit flowers of Capparis spinosa in the winter months?
Which of the following butterflies is known to visit flowers of Capparis spinosa in the winter months?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the pulpy part of Australian Capparis species, according to Mr. P.O'Shanesy?
What is the purpose of the pulpy part of Australian Capparis species, according to Mr. P.O'Shanesy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following birds eats the ripe fruit and seeds of Capparis spinosa?
Which of the following birds eats the ripe fruit and seeds of Capparis spinosa?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Capparis Genus and its Characteristics
- The Capparis genus consists of 142 species of shrubs or lianas, commonly known as caper shrubs or caperbushes.
- They are found in subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Eurasia, Australasia, and the Pacific.
Plant Description
- The leaves are simple, entire, and rarely reduced.
- Flowers are bisexual, bracteates, axillary or supra-axillary, solitary or in rows, in racemes or umbels.
- Sepals and petals are 4 in number and are free.
- Stamens are many, ovary on a gynophore, one-celled.
- Fruit is a berry, globose or ellipsoid.
Uses and Ecology
- The pickled flower bud of Capparis spinosa is a well-known condiment.
- Caperbushes are used for their fruit, which is rich in micronutrients.
- Various species of Capparis are used in cooking, herbalism, and folk medicine.
- Mabinlang seeds are eaten as sweets, and Mabinlang is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Mabinlins and Aspalthos
- Mabinlins are sweet-tasting proteins found in Mabinlang seed.
- At least one Mabinlin is highly resistant to heat.
- Aspalthos, the root of a shrub, was used in ancient Egyptian incense.
Uses in Landscape Gardening and Food for Animals
- Caperbushes from arid regions are useful in landscape gardening, afforestation, and reforestation.
- They can stop soil erosion and preserve agricultural land.
- Large-flowered species can attract butterflies.
- Fruit and seeds of caperbushes are relished by many birds and other animals.
Caterpillars and Butterflies
- Capparis plants are important food for certain Lepidoptera caterpillars.
- Various butterfly species, such as the Crimson Rose, visit flowers of C. spinosa.
- Many birds eat ripe Capparis spinosa fruit and seeds.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the characteristics and classification of the Capparis genus, including its habitat, leaves, and flowers. Learn about the features and distribution of these flowering plants.
