Capparis lanceolaris DC.

Capparaceae

Candolle, A.P. de (1824) Prodromus 1: 248. Type: Java, Leschenault; holo: P. Fide Hewson (1982).

Native Caper; Caper, Native

Vine stem diameters to 4 cm recorded.

Leaf blades about 6-12 x 1.9-5 cm, petioles about 0.5-1.5 cm long. Stipules often present as recurved spines, about 1.5-2 mm long. Lateral veins about 9-14 on each side of the midrib, forming distinct loops inside the blade margin. Terminal buds and young shoots clothed in prostrate, pale brown hairs.

Flowers about 20-30 mm diam., sweetly perfumed. Sepals about 5-7 x 3 mm. Petals about 5-10 x 5 mm. Stamens numerous, about 15-20 per flower, filaments about 17-25 mm long, anthers about 0.5-2 mm long. Gynophore about 35-40 mm long. Ovary about 1 mm diam. Style very short or absent.

Fruits borne on long stalks. Fruits sub-globose, about 2.5-3.5 cm diam. Seeds about 6-12 mm long. Fide Hewson (1982).

Features not available.

Occurs in CYP and NEQ. Altitudinal range not known with any certainty but appears to be confined to the lower elevations between sea level and 100 m. Grows in well developed lowland rain forest. Also occurs in Malesia.

This species is used medicinally by northern Aborigines. Cribb (1981).

Capparis elliptica F.Muell., Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 9: 172(1875), Type: In montanis Timor; floret Septembri. (ref. J.B.Spanoghe, Linnaea 15 (1841) 166). Capparis uberiflora F.Muell., Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 9: 172(1875), Type: Brook Island; J. Dallachy; holo: MEL 590410; iso: K. Fide Hewson (1982).