Quick facts
| Arabic name | التنضب |
|---|---|
| English name | Tundub (Caper Bush Tree) |
| Scientific name | Capparis decidua |
| Family | Caper family (Capparaceae) |
| Plant type | Nearly leafless desert shrub |
| Height | 2 to 5 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to February
Harvest
Not harvested
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Dense tangled green branches with small thorns, red-orange flowers and small round fruits.
Where it grows
Grows in hot dry valleys and plains.
Soil
Sandy or gravelly soil.
Water and irrigation
Lives on rain.
Climate and light
Handles extreme heat and drought.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Handles extreme drought
- Flowers attract birds and bees
- Fruits are eaten or pickled in some countries
- Holds soil
Drawbacks
- Small sharp thorns
- Grows slowly
- Gives little shade
Important notes
A native plant suited to greening very dry areas.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Capparis decidua
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Capparis decidua
- Wikipedia: Capparis decidua
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)