Capparis spinosa subsp. nummularia
| Capparis spinosa subsp. nummularia | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Capparaceae |
| Genus: | Capparis |
| Species: | C. nummularia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Capparis nummularia | |
Capparis nummularia, the wild passionfruit, or (locally) caperbush, is an Australian native plant. It is a subspecies of the caper adapted to deserts. The species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of Capparis spinosa.[1]
Its name in the Arrernte language of Central Australia is Merne arrutnenge.
Wild passionfruit is a bush tucker food. When it ripens, the skin turns orange and splits open and the little black seeds become visible. It is then ready to eat. The seeds are hot and spicy when crushed. It grows prolifically in riverbanks in the desert.
References
- ^ "Capparis nummularia DC. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
- Hiddins, L., Bush Tucker Field Guide, Explore Australia Publishing 2003, ISBN 1-74117-028-1 page 48
- Low, T., Wild Food Plants of Australia, Angus & Robertson Publishers 1991, ISBN 0-207-16930-6 page 173