Origin
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is an evergreen plant that is native to the Mediterranean region, including countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Lebanon.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as the "Cartilage Caper" or "Stretchberry Caper".
Uses
The unripe fruit of Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is used for culinary purposes, specifically as a flavoring ingredient in Mediterranean dishes such as salads, appetizers, sauces, stews, and fish dishes. The fruit is also used to make caper sauce. The plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for digestive and respiratory problems. The leaves are used as an infusion to alleviate asthma, coughing, and fever. The plant extract has antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is used in cosmetics.
General Appearance
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 2 meters in height. Its bark is gray-brown and its leaves are oval, leathery, and shiny. The plant produces white or pinkish flowers that are fragrant and have a diameter of 3-5 cm. The fruit is round or oval, green, and contains many seeds. It measures about 2 cm in diameter and ripens in late summer.
Light Requirements
Capparis cartilaginea Decne., commonly known as the Gara plant, thrives in full sunlight and requires a minimum of around six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. The plant may also survive in partially shaded areas, but it may not produce the same amount of flowers and fruit as those growing in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Gara plant favors warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 35°C, and it can sustain temperatures as high as 50°C. Therefore, the plant is well-suited for tropical and subtropical regions. Temperatures below 10°C can hinder plant growth, and frost can cause damage or even death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Gara plant can grow in different soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and rocky soils, but it prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can survive in soils with higher alkalinity levels, but it may become susceptible to iron chlorosis. Additionally, the plant can tolerate salinity up to a certain extent and can cultivate in soils with up to 7.5 dS m?¹ salinity level.
Cultivation Methods
Capparis cartilaginea Decne., also known as the Arabian caper, is a shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It is commonly found in deserts and arid regions. The shrub can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or suckers.
To propagate by seeds, you should first scarify the seeds to break the seed coat, then soak them in water for 24 hours. After that, plant the seed about 2.5 cm deep in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the seed germinates.
To propagate by cuttings, choose a healthy shoot and cut it about 15 cm long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Then, plant it in a container with a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should root and start to grow.
Watering Needs
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive in arid conditions. However, it still needs regular watering to establish and grow properly. During the first year after planting, water the shrub once a week, but reduce watering to once every two weeks once the plant is established. In hot and dry climates, it may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. does not require heavy fertilization. It is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring to provide some nutrients. You can also top-dress with compost or well-rotted manure in the fall to improve soil health.
Pruning
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. does not require heavy pruning. You can prune it in the early spring to remove dead or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the shrub or keep it a desirable size. Avoid heavy pruning because it can reduce flowering and fruit production. It is best to prune lightly every year instead of heavily every few years.
Propagation of Capparis cartilaginea Decne.
Capparis cartilaginea Decne., also known as bushy caper, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is commonly found in the Mediterranean and northern Africa regions, where it thrives in dry, rocky, and sandy soils. Propagating Capparis cartilaginea Decne. can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used to propagate Capparis cartilaginea Decne. It is best to start the seeds indoors, then transplant the seedlings outdoors once they have developed their second set of leaves. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and covered lightly with sand. They require plenty of sunlight and water daily until germination, which may take between 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings involves taking a stem cutting from the plant and rooting it in a suitable rooting medium. The cuttings should be taken during the spring or early summer and should be around 6 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots develop, after which they can be transplanted to the garden.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another method that can be used to propagate Capparis cartilaginea Decne. This method involves bending one of the plant's stems to the ground and burying it just below the soil surface. The stem should be held in place using a U-shaped wire, leaving the tip exposed. Roots will start to develop at the point where the stem touches the soil, and a new plant will start to grow. After a few months, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant by carefully cutting the stem that connects them.
Overall, propagating Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is relatively easy and can be achieved through various methods. The chosen method will depend on the resources available and the grower's preference. With proper care and attention, the propagated plants can grow into full-sized bushes that produce beautiful white flowers and edible fruit.
Disease Management
Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to many diseases. However, it is susceptible to a few diseases, such as:
- Leaf spots: These are caused by fungi and can be recognized by the brown or black spots on leaves. To manage leaf spots, prune off any infected parts and dispose of them. Additionally, spraying a fungicide can prevent further infection.
- Root rot: This is usually caused by soil fungus and is characterized by rotting roots and wilting leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and apply a fungicide to the soil.
Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining optimal growing conditions can help prevent the occurrence of these diseases.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Capparis cartilaginea Decne. is susceptible to attacks by pests such as:
- Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects appear as white, cotton-like masses on the plant. They can be managed by physically removing them with a soft brush or by using a pesticide.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with soapy water or use an insecticide.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, eight-legged insects that feed on the underside of leaves, leading to yellowing and bronzing of the foliage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a miticide or insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting the plant and removing any pests by hand or using an appropriate pesticide can help prevent the occurrence of pest infestations. Additionally, maintaining optimal growing conditions, such as adequate watering and fertilization, can help keep the plant healthy and less susceptible to pest attacks.
