Common name: Ceylon caper, Indian caper • Hindi: Aradanda • Tamil: Adondai • Konkani: गोविंदफल Govindphal • Marathi: गोविंदी Govindi • Sanskrit: व्याघ्रनखी Vyaghranakhi • Telugu: Palaki • Gujarati: Karrallura • Rajasthani: Gitoran • Kannada: Mullukattari
Botanical name: Capparis zeylanica Family: Capparaceae (caper family)
Indian caper is a large shrub, usually seen 2-5 m high. Thick stems have many
climbing and drooping branches. Alternately arranged elliptic leaves are 3-6
cm long, with rounded base and short stalk. Beautiful flowers, which are
essentially a spreading spray of pink-white stamens, are 4-5 sm across, and
appear solitary in leaf axils. The flowers turn dark pink while fading.
Medicinal uses: In folk medicine, leaves used as cataplasm for
boils, swelling and hemorrhoids. Decoction of root-bark used for vomiting and
for improving the appetite. Leaves also used to improve the appetite.
| Photographed in Alibag, Maharashtra. |
Identification credit: Pravin Kawale
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