Note honeybee foraging for nectar. Photos by Derek Artz	Scientific Name: Common Name(s): Family: Size, Range & Distribution:                               Botanical Description:                                       Economic Examples:           General Comments:	Capparis cynophallophora Jamaica Caper Capparaceae--Caper Family Native-South Florida; Only two tree-sized members of the caper family occur in the U.S., both restricted to the coastal zone of southernmost Florida: Jamaica caper and limber caper (C. flexuosa), the latter sometimes almost vine-like, blooming well in shade. Grows to Cape Canaveral on the east coast and to Ft. Myers on the west.  Found in dry coastal regions of Puerto Rico, West Indies and southern Mexico.  Evergreen to 10’ - 20’.  Good example of West Indian flora extending into South Florida.  Salt tolerant.  Both have ornate, fragrant flowers characterized by masses of long stamens that extend well beyond the petals.  The Jamaica caper’s flower petals are white and stamens purple.  Capers are pollinated by night-flying moths and flowers open just after dark.  The long stamens brush against the moth as it approaches the nectar and the pollen is then deposited on the stigma of the next plant the moth visits.  Moths are attracted by the strange fragrance of the flowers which can be detected over a long distance. Blooms April-May. Leaves are oblong, rusty underneath.  Seed pod is on a long stalk and gives the plant its species name (dog phallus). Family important for the flower buds it produces, the capers used in food preparation. C.spinosa is grown for flower buds which are pickled and sold as capers; grows in rocky dry Mediterranean regions. Very attractive landscape tree with its compact and dense habit.  Propagated by seed.
	Arboretum Location:	PLOT 19