Jamaican Caper

Scientific name: Quadrella jamaicensis (syn. Capparis cynophallophora)

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

The species once widely known as Jamaica Caper under the genus Capparis was reclassified into the genus Quadrella as part of a broader revision of the Capparaceae family.

So:

  • Capparis cynophallophora is now generally accepted as a synonym of Quadrella jamaicensis.
  • The accepted name in Plants of the World Online (Kew), ITIS, Tropicos, and other major databases is: Quadrella jamaicensis (Jacq.) Hutch.

However, many people — especially in landscaping, gardening, and restoration ecology — still use the name Capparis cynophallophora in informal contexts, and it’s widely recognized.

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 58.94″ N, 64° 49′ 46.05″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Quadrella jamaicensis (Jamaica Caper)
(syn. Capparis cynophallophora)
Family: Capparaceae
Common Names: Jamaica Caper, Black-Willow Caper, Caper Tree
Local Names: Sometimes referred to simply as “Caper Bush” in Caribbean areas

🌳 Description:
A small, evergreen native tree or large shrub, usually 3–6 meters tall, sometimes taller. It has a naturally dense, symmetrical crown and is often used ornamentally due to its beautiful foliage and striking flowers. Leaves are thick, glossy green on top and coppery or rusty-brown beneath, giving a two-toned appearance when stirred by the wind.

🌿 Leafing:

  • Leaf Type: Simple, alternate, oblong to elliptic, entire margins
  • Phenology Notes: Evergreen, but with pronounced cycles of new leaf flush
  • New Leaves: Emerge soft and copper-colored, contrasting dramatically with mature dark green
  • Leaf Shedding: Minimal; older leaves replaced as new flush appears

🌸 Flowering:

  • Blooming Season: Primarily late spring to early summer (April–July), but can occur sporadically year-round
  • Flowers: Showy, fragrant, white with long purple stamens that become more purple as they age
  • Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other insects attracted by color and scent

🍈 Fruiting:

  • Fruit Type: Slender green pods (seed capsules) that split open when mature
  • Fruit Season: Summer into early fall (May–October)
  • Seed Notes: Seeds are black and surrounded by bright orange arils, which attract birds

📍Habitat & Range:

  • Native to: Southern Florida, Caribbean, Central America
  • Common in: Coastal hammocks, thickets, and well-drained sandy or limestone soils
  • Found on: St. Croix and other Virgin Islands; often in natural areas and increasingly in native landscaping projects

🌱 Ecological Importance:

  • Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators
  • Seeds dispersed by birds
  • Drought- and salt-tolerant, ideal for coastal reforestation and xeriscaping
  • Helps support biodiversity in native plant communities

📷 Notes for Photography:

  • Capture:
    • Copper-toned new leaves and contrast with mature foliage
    • Full flower development (bud → open → senescing)
    • Long stamens and color shift
    • Dehiscing fruit pods and bright orange arils
  • Best seasons:
    • Late spring to early summer for flowers
    • Summer to fall for seed pods
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