Syrian bean-caper (Zygophyllum fabago)

Gallery:

Zygophyllum fabago flowers and leaves

Zygophyllum fabago seeds and seed pods

Common names:

Syrian bean-caper, bean caper

Scientific Name:

Zygophyllum fabago (syns. Zygophyllum fabago var. brachycarpum)

Description:

A bushy herbaceous perennial that may act like an annual in regions with harsh winters. Leaves somewhat succulent, opposite, compound and each having 2 ovals, 1 inch leaflets. Stems smooth and branched from a thickened woody crown. Flowers are small; compact bunches of five petals each with prominent stamens, salmon to yellow or white with pinkish veins and up to ¾ inch. Flower buds have been used as a substitute for capers. It reproduces by seed and vegetatively from lateral creeping roots.

Life cycle:

Perennial

Height of mature plants

18 inches

Flower color:

White

Bloom time:

It flowers from May to August.

Look-a-likes:

None

Habitat:

Syrian bean-caper can be found in open, rocky areas and gravelly soils, including roadsides and disturbed areas.

Impacts:

Syrian bean-caper is well suited to dry environments. Buds and branches form on spreading roots, forming dense patches that compete for water and space. Large infestations can reduce forage potential in dryer areas of the west. It grows in masses, forming colonies, especially in dry, gravely, disturbed areas where other plant life is rare. Hand removal is often unsuccessful due to remaining root fragments that can generate new plants.