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Jamaica Caper Capparis cynophallophora
It's a simple story, really. Shrub, intent on surviving future
generations, develops strategies for fertilization and seed
distribution.
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The flowering season is usually from April to July, but
an errant flower or two can appear anytime during the year.
Jamaica Caper has perfect flowers, which means they have so-called "male"
and "female" components. |
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In each flower, there are several anthers on slender
stamens. These represent the male, or the "staminate" team.
The anthers contain the pollen grains, which are really haploid gametes. |
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In the center of the flower is the female section, the
pistil, which consists of a single orange stigma, atop a white style.
At the bottom of the pistil awaits a haploid embryo sac. |
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In order for the flowers to become fertilized and the fruits
to develop, pollen grains have to reach the bottom of the pistil tubes. The pistil is slightly longer than the surrounding
stamens. How the heck are the pollen grains, hanging in sacs shaped
like the heads of flamingos, going to hurdle the distance up to the pistil?
It might as well be on the moon! |
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This type of set-up depends on, or, we might say, invites
the participation of, pollinators (which could include everything from the
wind to insects such as bees and butterflies, to vertebrates such as birds,
lizards and humans; even you are a potential pollinator). |
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We theorize that, for the most part, the pollinators are
unwitting participants, but who knows for sure; maybe some of them think of it as a sport, or
are just tidying
up around the neighborhood. Putting the little pollen grains into as
many different tubes as possible, some kind of fun! |
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The males, having finished their part, immediately wither
and lose consciousness. |
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Seed pods develop from the flowers during
July-September. They ripen at the height of the rainy season.
The photo at left shows the mature seed pods, which range in
length from approximately 3 to 10 inches long.
Although not palatable to humans, Jamaica Capers are
related to pickled Italian capers that you can buy in those long, skinny
jars.
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When ripe, the seed pods burst open. The seeds are
wrapped in a sticky, oily, waxy substance that the birds really enjoy.
We've seen several kinds of doves, along with jays, blackbirds,
mockingbirds, and more. |
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The birds scrape clean the stuff, along with the seeds,
discarding the skin of the seedpod. It appears that the birds either
digest the seeds, or pass them directly through their digestive
systems. Either way, the viability of eaten seeds is low. |
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The strategy for seed distribution seems to be in the
stickiness of the mixture. Birds are messy eaters, and get food all
over themselves. The seeds may stick to the birds. When the
birds fly away, the stuff dries out and falls off, or they clean it off
later. Insects, such as ants, also play a role in the distribution.
They eat the goo and the seeds drop on the ground. |
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The seeds are not very hardy. In natural situations, they usually
germinate near the parent tree. They sprout during times of high
humidity such as one would find during the rainy season. Natural distribution is located to coastal
areas throughout the South Florida-Caribbean area.
Irrigation in a landscaping situation will cause groups of seeds to sprout
around the base of the plant. If you don't want this to happen, reduce the
amount of water the plant gets. Don't worry, Jamaica Capers are very
drought-tolerant. The time to water is when the leaves start to noticeably
droop.
The photos below show how Jamaica Caper can be used in
landscaping. Great as a filler plant, it makes an ideal screening that
rarely needs trimming.
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Two-tone leaves dance in the wind, and sparkle in the
sunlight. Below, right, is a photo of Jamaica caper with
Simpson's Stopper, right next to our office. |
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Slow-growing, it takes a bit of time to get
established in a new location, but needs little care once it settles in. Use them in groups, in a natural
arrangement. Plant them 4 feet apart for best effect and allow them to
grow together. They also work in formal arrangements. If you desire,
they may be kept trimmed at 4 to 8 feet high. Don't cut 'em any shorter
than 4 feet high!
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Above left, in 3-gal. pots, about 18" tall.
Above right, in 7-gal. containers, 3'+ tall.
Left, in 20-gal. containers, 5'+ tall.
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