The caper's vegetative canopy covers soil surfaces which helps to conserve soil water reserves. Leaf stipules may be formed into spines. Flowers are born on first-year branches. C3 physiology has been recorded for the genus Capparis. Pollination is by insects.
Mature fruits are dehiscent.
Used as a pot herb and pickle. Fruits are pickled. Capparis mariana - formerly grown as a commercial crop in Guam. Capparis micrantha - Melada, Caper Thorn. SE asia, Indonesia.