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Description
Capparis Sepiaria, also known as the Flinders rose or the native caper, is a flowering plant belonging to the Capparaceae family. This plant is native to Australia and can be found growing in arid and semi-arid regions in all mainland states. It is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall and can live up to 50 years. The Flinders rose produces small white or pink flowers that bloom from August to December, followed by edible fruits that are about the size of a pea. The fruits are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Capparales |
| Family | Capparaceae |
| Genus | Capparis |
Appearance
The Flinders rose has a distinctive appearance with its grey-green leaves and thorny stems. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 10 centimeters long. This plant produces small white or pink flowers that bloom from August to December. The flowers have five petals and are about 2 centimeters in diameter. The fruit is a small, round, berry-like capsule that is green when young and turns brown when mature.
Care Guide
The Flinders rose is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and flowering, it is recommended to follow these care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
- Sunlight: Plant the Flinders rose in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Flinders rose is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Some pests that can affect this plant include scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Flinders rose is native to Australia and can be found growing in arid and semi-arid regions in all mainland states. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. This plant is often found growing in rocky areas, along roadsides, and in open woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Flinders rose edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of the Flinders rose is edible and can be used to make capers.
Q: Can the Flinders rose be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as it has adequate drainage and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: Does the Flinders rose require pruning?
A: Pruning is not required for the Flinders rose, but it can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or size.
Q: What is the medicinal use of the Flinders rose?
A: The fruit of the Flinders rose is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin infections, eye infections, and toothaches.
Related Plants
- Capparis canescens
- Capparis lasiantha
- Capparis mitchellii
- Capparis nobilis
References
- “Capparis sepiaria”. Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- “Capparis sepiaria”. PlantNet. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- “Capparis sepiaria”. Florabase. Western Australian Herbarium. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
