Native Caper
Capparis sandwichiana
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Capparaceae
- Genus:
- Capparis
- Species:
- Capparis sandwichiana
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Pink
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Guam, Hawaii, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), Plutella capparidis, Small White (Pieris rapae)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal areas with poor soil fertility
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: For seeds: 24 hour soak in cold water and immediate sowing. For cuttings: Use clean pots, well drained potting mix, cut plants into desired lengths (3 nodes per strand, 6-8 inches in length), place about 3 strands in each pot, and use rooting hormone.
Establishment: Maiapilo is declining due to loss of habitat and is locally abundant in rocky, lava, coastal sites of the main islands. Propagation trials are needed to establish the best concentration of rooting hormone for the best rooting percentages. The success rate for cuttings is usually not 100% but more like 75-80%.
Source: npn.rngr.net