The caper plant has large creamy white flowers with long, delicate purple stamens. It is an indigenous species and if a competition were to be held for the most beautiful indigenous flower, the caper plant would probably win hands down.

It is a very common plant which grows on rock faces, old walls, as well as on the ground in disturbed habitats, garigue and maquis. Although we are surrounded by caper plants few bother to get close enough to admire their beauty.

There are several species of capers, most of which grow in tropical and semi-tropical countries including those in the Mediterranean region, in East Africa, Madagascar, many parts of Asia and Australia.

Caper plants are well adapted for the hot, dry Mediterranean summer and for nutrient-poor soils.

They have an extensive root system that can extract water and minerals from soil where other plants would not be able to, and can store water in their thick, fleshy leaves which are also able to reduce the amount of water lost by transpiration.

If a competition were to be held for the most beautiful indigenous flower, the caper plant would probably win hands down

The species found in Malta is known as the spineless caper, kappara in Maltese.

The flowers open at dawn and by midday they are well past their best. Before the sun starts to set, the petals become withered and start to fall off.

Capers flower from late spring to late summer. During peak flowering time, some plants are decked with flowers even though in some areas large numbers of buds are picked before they can open to be pickled to be used as a tasty condiment in several dishes, including sauces.

The caper plant also has an important role in nature. The sweetly fragrant flowers are rich in pollen and attract large numbers of bees. The bees collect pollen in special sacs found on their legs to carry it to their hives.

The plant is also useful as it protects the soil from water loss and erosion.

Although common in the countryside it would be good for our environment if the caper were planted more often in gardens and in urban areas. It is easily propagated by seed in autumn and by cuttings in winter.

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