Capparaceae
Capparis cartilaginea
Seaside Caper
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This sprawling or scrambling shrub, typically 0.5–4m high, often features thick, somewhat succulent stems and broadly elliptic to orbicular, fleshy leaves, which can have a small recurved spine at the apex. Its large, solitary flowers are usually white, sometimes pink, with showy stamens. The fruits mature into ovoid or ellipsoid red berries, 3-5 cm long, which are edible.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this species thrives in full, direct sun and prefers well-draining, sandy soils, often found on rocky or coral outcrops. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for specimen planting, rockeries, or coastal restoration projects.
Growing notes
Seaside Caper is a slow-growing plant that is highly drought tolerant once established, requiring infrequent watering only after the soil has thoroughly dried. It needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot and has low fertiliser requirements. The plant is thorny, so care should be taken with placement, but it is not known to be toxic.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: doh.gov.ae, kew.org, ngkenya.com, selinawamucii.com, earthone.io, rayon-de-serre.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.