The flower buds of the Flinders rose (Capparis spinosa), pickled for culinary seasoning/garnish, are more commonly called what?
Caper Caper Capparis spinosa, the caper bush, also called Flinders rose, is a perennial plant that bears rounded, fleshy leaves and large white to pinkish-white flowers. The plant is best known for the edible flower buds (capers), often used as a seasoning, and the fruit (caper berries), both of which are usually consumed pickled. Other species of "Capparis" are also picked along with "C. spinosa" for their buds or fruits. Other parts of "Capparis" plants are used in the manufacture of medicines and cosmetics. "Capparis spinosa" is native to the Mediterranean. It is endemic to almost all the circum-Mediterranean countries, and
Capparis regions - chiefly "C. decidua" - are highly useful in landscape gardening, afforestation and reforestation. They can stop soil erosion and preserve agricultural land. Any large-flowered species can be used to attract butterflies. The Crimson Rose ("Atrophaneura hector"), a spectacular swallowtail butterfly of South Asia, likes to visit flowers of "C. spinosa" in the winter months for example. The fruit and seeds of caperbushes are relished by many birds and other animals such as spiny-tailed lizards. "Capparis" plants are highly important as food for certain Lepidoptera caterpillars, many of them Colotini or Pierini: The plant pathogenic ascomycete fungus "Mycosphaerella capparis"