Capparaceae
Capparis sepiaria var. fischeri
Hedge Caper
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Capparis sepiaria var. fischeri is a scrambling, prickly evergreen shrub or liane that can grow 3–4 metres tall, with branches extending up to 10 metres. It features alternate, elliptic to obovate leaves measuring 1.2–7 cm long, and produces small, fragrant white flowers typically 5–10 mm across in terminal or axillary clusters. These are followed by spherical, smooth, yellowish-orange to dark brown or purplish-black berries 0.6–1.5 cm in diameter. The plant is found in dry and semi-arid habitats, including savannas, scrublands, and coastal thickets.
Where it works in Kilifi
This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining sandy or loamy soils, making it suitable for Kilifi's coastal and dryland gardens. Its scrambling and prickly nature allows it to form dense, impenetrable hedges or be used for restoration in challenging, arid locations.
Growing notes
Once established, this variety is highly drought-tolerant, requiring only moderate watering. It is suitable for warm climates, tolerating high temperatures. Caution should be exercised due to its sharp prickles and reported toxicity to grazing animals, with its roots also considered poisonous.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org, grokipedia.com, wikipedia.org, kew.org, picturethisai.com, natureindianursery.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.