The Native Caper or Caper Bush is naturally found in drier rainforests. It produces beautiful perfumed white flowers and edible caper berries. It is host to caterpillars of the migratory Caper White butterfly, Belenois java and fruit eating pigeons enjoy feeding on its fruit.
Description
The Native Caper is a shrub to small tree growing to 8m tall with fragrant white flowers to 4cm in diameter and long stamens. When mature it is sometimes described as resembling an orange tree. Young Native Caper plants are quite different from the mature adult plants in appearance. The young plants have a vine-like growth and are much spikier than adult plants. The young plants will use their thorns to scramble up through surrounding vegetation.
Growth requirements
The Native Caper grows best when positioned in full sun and with well-drained soil. Once established it is very hardy.
Image credit: Caper white butterfly - Rod Edmonds, Native caper flower and fruit - Glenn Leiper
