Capparis sarmentosa
Family: Capparaceae
Genus: Capparis
Common name: Scrambling caper
ALA reference
This scrambling climber is relatively common in the reserve but the smaller plants often got cut off near the ground when the cat’s claw was being removed. However many are now shooting again from the stumps and climbing any adjacent tree like the one here on a Cupaniopsis parvifolia. The plants have pairs of small but very sharp recurved spines that grow at every leaf node to cling most effectively to supporting plants. (November 2009)
This scrambling climber is relatively common in the reserve but is often not easy to spot. It grows to about 7 metres in height with a stem diameter of up to 10 mm. It utilises pairs of small but very sharp recurved spines that grow at every leaf node to cling most effectively to supporting plants. Only a few plants are in bud right now but I found one plant that has spread out over several square metres which is smothered in buds and opening flowers. The flowers are relatively short-lived but this plant looks quite spectacular. It produces small orange fruit which are said to be edible. (September 2007)
Fort Bushland Reserve 