However, uncultivated caper plants are more often seen hanging, draped and sprawling as they scramble over soil and rocks. 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.