The caper, or caper bush, (Capparis spinosa) is best known as a source of food. The buds of the flowers are pickled and used in salads and some typical dishes of the Mediterranean region where it is found.
The plant itself is somewhat remarkable. The flowers are rather impressive and the plant itself seems to thrive in arid and poor soils, as well as in very hot climates. (The photograph was taken during a July heatwave in the Athens area with temperatures in excess of 40oC.)
Medicinal properties have been referred to in historical sources and mostly concern the root of the plant and the root bark which have been used as a menstrual cycle, stimulant, as expectorant, and to treat paralysis, rheumatism, spleen conditions, and toothache. The buds contain polyphenols and anthocyanins which have antioxidant properties although the quantities of capers eaten are usually quite small so the relative benefits may not be so significant. Capers also have one of the highest percentages of the flavonoid quercetin which has been promoted for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Although there is no firm evidence to support the claims, the FDA has characterised quercetin as safe for consumption.
