Capparaceae

The Capparaceae, or caper family, is a group of plants that includes herbs, shrubs, and trees. This family is part of the order Brassicales, which also contains familiar plants like cabbages and mustards. A key characteristic of plants in the Brassicales order, including Capparaceae, is the presence of glucosinolates, also known as mustard oils. These sulfur-containing compounds can deter herbivores but also attract certain insects.123

The genus Capparis is the type genus for this family and includes about 250 species, many of which are prickly trees, shrubs, or lianas. The most well-known member is the European caperbush (Capparis spinosa), cultivated for its pickled flower buds, which are used as a condiment. Other species are used as vegetables or in curries.24