Cappero

[automatically translated] The caper Capparidaceae belongs to the family, subfamily Ajugodeae Briq., Trib. Rosmarinae Briq., Genus Capparis Sp.:23 (1753). The genus Capparis includes about 250 species distributed in tropical and subtropical belt of the Old and New World. In the Mediterranean the most widespread is Capparis spinosa. In Italy it is distributed sporadically in the coastal areas near rock outcroppings, cliffs, slopes and walls. According to the authors Higton & Akeroyd (1993), the Sicilian populations can be attributed both to Capparis spinosa subsp. spinosa var. canescens Cosson that C. spinosa subsp. rupestris (Sm.) Nyman. Subsp. spinosa var. canescens, is distributed in xerophilous areas of central and southern Sicily on clay and saline soils. Subsp, rupestris, frequently along the coasts and more sporadic inward, spread on cliffs, rocky slopes, and old walls. The species, markedly xerophilous, it can be found on limestone Mesozoic compact and Oligocene, chalk, lava and volcanic tuff. The species even although, generally, to the next altitude to sea level, can go at altitudes are around 950 m asl The caper shows a sarmentoso stem provided with ascending branches and rarely thorny. The edible parts of the plant are mainly represented by the flower buds (called capers) and from the fruit, a berry locally called "Cucuncio". The best interests of the caper derives its popular properties condiments, but the plant also has strong therapeutic properties (aperitif, diuretic, stimulant, etc.);