Native Caper
Capparis sandwichiana
- Native to:
- Guam, Hawaii, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, United States
Forest & Kim Starr (www.hear.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Capparaceae
- Genus:
- Capparis
- Species:
- Capparis sandwichiana
- USDA Symbol:
- CASA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, native bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
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