Capparis zeylanica, Ceylon caper, Indian caper, Peninsular

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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Article Summary

Capparis zeylanica also known as Ceylon caper or Indian caper belonging to the family of Capparaceae is a climbing shrub common in the forests of the Indian subcontinent; no subspecies are listed in the Catalogue of Life. The plant is native to India to Indo-China, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Java, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands), and the Philippines. Ceylon caper is a large, armed straggling, climbing shrub, usually seen...

Key Takeaways

This article explains Ceylon Caper Facts in simple medical language.
This article explains Ceylon caper Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses and benefits of Ceylon caper in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

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Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

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Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

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Capparis zeylanica also known as Ceylon caper or Indian caper belonging to the family of Capparaceae is a climbing shrub common in the forests of the Indian subcontinent; no subspecies are listed in the Catalogue of Life. The plant is native to India to Indo-China, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Java, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands), and the Philippines. Ceylon caper is a large, armed straggling, climbing shrub, usually seen 2 – 5 meters long, occasionally to 10 meters with zigzag branches which are tawny to brownish red pubescence. The plant is found growing in dry deciduous forests, hedges, brush woods, savannas, and forest borders, at low and medium altitudes. Thick stems have many climbing and drooping branches. The leaves are ovate to elliptical, and measure 4-10(-18) cm x 3-6(-9) cm. The base is acute or obtuse, acute at tip, leathery, with 0.5-1.5 cm long petiole, 3-6 mm long thorns and recurved.

Ceylon Caper Facts

Name	Ceylon Caper
Scientific Name	Capparis zeylanica
Native	India to Indo-China, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Java, Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands), and the Philippines
Common Names	Ceylon caper, Indian caper
Name in Other Languages	Assamese Gobindaphal Bengali: Asria, hingshra, kakdoni, kalikera, kijr, rohini, kalokera Burma: nah-ma-nee-tanyet Cambodia: Rook saa Chinese: Niu yan jing, Chui Guo Teng English: Ceylon caper, Indian caper Gujarati: Govindakal (ગોવિંદકળ), Kakhbilado, Karrallura Hindi: Ardanda, Govindphal, bauri, gitoran, govindaphal, hins, his, jhiris, khalis Indonesia: Melada Irula: Kevisi kodi Kannada: aathundi kaayi, anthundhi kaayi, athendri, govinda phala, Mullukattari (ಮುಳ್ಳುಕತ್ತರಿ) Konkani: Vaghamti (वाघांटी) Malayalam: Karthotti, Gitoran, Elippayar Marathi: Ardandi, taramaathi, vaagathi, vaganthi, wag, wagati, Govindi (गोविंदी), Kaduvaghanti (कडूवाघांटी), Vaghanti (वाघांटी) Myanmar: Nah-ma-nee-tanyet Nepali: Ban kera (बन केरा) Oriya: Osara Others: Karwila (ਕਰਵੀਲਾ), Ban Kera, Karwilun, Ceylon Caper, Garna (ਗਰਨਾ), Wagati, Govind-phal, Kaatu Thotti, Gitoran, Elippayar Philippines: Halubagat-baging, tarabtab, baralauik Punjabi: Garna (ਗਰਨਾ), karwila (ਕਰਵੀਲਾ), karwilun (ਕਰਵੀਲੂੰ) Rajasthani: Gitoranj Sanskrit: Tapasapriya (तपसप्रिय), Vyaghra Nakhi (व्याघ्रनखी), Karambha (करम्भ) Tamil: Adondai, Tondai, atanday, atandam, Atandy, Ekkathari, Atontai (ஆதொண்ட), Karrotti (காற்றோட்டி), Suduthoratti, Suduthorati, Morandan Telegu: Adonda, arhonda, aradonda, aridonda, Arudonda (ఆరుదొండ) Thailand: Sa ae, yieo kai, thao lang maakkep Vietnam: Gai den, cáp tích lan
Plant Growth Habit	Large, armed straggling, climbing shrub
Growing Climates	Dry deciduous forests, hedges, brush woods, savannas, forest borders, at low and medium altitudes
Plant Size	2 – 5 meters long, occasionally to 10 meters
Leaf	Ovate to elliptical, and measure 4-10(-18) cm x 3-6(-9) cm. The base is acute or obtuse, acute at tip, leathery, with 0.5-1.5 cm long petiole, 3-6 mm long thorns and recurved
Flowering season	March
Flower	Flowers are 2-5 in a row, which are rarely solitary, with stout pedicel and 1-2 cm long. The sepals are concave, 1 cm long and hairy while the petals are 0.9-1.6 cm long, thin, white to pinkish, with the inner side turning darker later from pinkish to red. There are 30-50 stamens with 2.5-3.5 cm long filaments. They are pink but later turn to dark purple
Fruit Shape & Size	Berry is globular to ellipsoid and measures up to 3-4 cm in diameter. skin woody-coriaceous, red to purple
Fruit Color	Initially green turning to red to purple as they mature
Seed	Numerous, globase, embedded in fleshy pulp
Propagation	By Seeds
Taste	Bitter, pungent
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, fruits, root, leaf, seed, bark
Season	October-November

Ceylon caper Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Capparis zeylanica

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Brassicales
Family	Capparaceae
Genus	Capparis
Species	C. zeylanica
Synonyms	Capparis acuminata Roxb. Capparis aeylanica Roxb. Capparis aurantioides Presl Capparis baducca L. Capparis brevispina var. rheedii (DC.) Thwaites Capparis crassifolia Kurz Capparis dealbata DC. Capparis erythrodasys Miq. Capparis formosa Wall. Capparis hastigera Hance Capparis hastigera var. obcordata Merr. & F.P.Metcalf Capparis heyneana Wall. ex Wight & Arn. Capparis horrida L.fil. Capparis horrida var. erythrodasys (Miq.) Miq. Capparis horrida var. paniculata Gagnep. Capparis latifolia Craib Capparis nemorosa Blanco Capparis ovalifolia Zipp. Capparis ovalifolia Zipp. ex Miq. Capparis polymorpha Kurz Capparis quadriflora DC. Capparis rufescens Turcz. Capparis subhorrida Craib Capparis swinhoei Hance Capparis terniflora DC. Capparis wallichiana Wight & Arn. Capparis wightiana Wall. Capparis zeylanica var. pubipetala S.Y.Liu, X.Q.Ning & Y.F.Tan Oligloron zeylanica (L.) Rafin. Pleuteron baduca (L.) Rafin.

Flowers & Fruits

Flowers are 2-5 in a row, which are rarely solitary, with stout pedicel and 1-2 cm long. Sepals are concave, 1 cm long, and hairy while the petals are 0.9-1.6 cm long, thin, white to pinkish, with the inner side turning darker later from pinkish to red. There are 30-50 stamens with 2.5-3.5 cm long filaments. They are pink but later turn to dark purple. Flowering normally takes place from March. The gynophore measures 2.5-4.5 cm and hairy only towards the base. Fertile flowers are followed by a berry that is globular to ellipsoid and measures up to 3-4 cm in diameter. Skin is woody-coriaceous. Fruits are initially green turning to red to purple as they mature. Fruits consist of numerous seeds that are globose embedded in fleshy pulp

Traditional uses and benefits of Ceylon caper

In the Philippines, the leaves are used as a counter-irritant.
Leaves (rubbed with salt and sometimes pounded) are used on the forehead and/or the temples as a remedy for headaches.
In Indo-China, the plant is used for the same stimulant properties as the Cruciferae, also used as an antiscorbutic and for gastritis.
Young fruits are used to cure stomach aches.
In folk medicine, leaves used as cataplasm for boils, swelling, and hemorrhoids.
Decoction of root-bark is used for vomiting and for improving the appetite.
Leaves also used to improve the appetite.
Leaves are made into a poultice for treating boils, swellings, and hemorrhoids.
They are also used to reduce perspiration and to improve appetite.
Decoction of the root-bark is used as a remedy for vomiting and to improve the appetite.
Root bark is ground with water, boiled and taken orally to treat indigestion.
Traditionally it is used as an Antidote to snake bite, to cure swelling of testicles, smallpox, boils, cholera, colic, hemiplegia, neuralgia, sores, pneumonic & pleurisy.
Leaves are widely used as a counter-irritant, febrifuge and as a cataplasm in swellings, boil, and piles in Northern India.
Leaf and stem parts are as spasmolytic.
Root bark preparation is used as a sedative.
Leaves extract with black pepper powder is taken twice daily for the treatment of dysentery.
Leaves juice taken orally with cup of fresh goat milk for curing cough and cold.
For the treatment of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes ripe fruits are consumed twice for a fortnight and during ingestion, stem bark extract is administered thrice daily.
Plant is also served as an appetizer prepared as a dipping paste with pepper, tamarind and garlic.
Grind the stem bark by adding 10 seeds of black pepper, 2 bulbs of garlic and mix it into 500 ml water. It is given twice daily for two days to cure colic.
Handful fresh roots, 50 g onions, 50 g Jaggery grind all together and make a bolus. Take it twice daily for 3 days to cure convulsive seizures.
Bark along with native spirit is given in Cholera.
In madras, decoction of leaves is used in Syphilis.
Root and bark pastes are applied together for rheumatic swellings.

Culinary Uses

It was first time reported used as vegetable.
Seeds of the ripe fruits are eaten roasted.
Fruit pulps edible and can be pickled.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Rest, drink safe water, and observe symptoms carefully.
Keep a written note of symptoms, duration, temperature, medicines already taken, and allergy history.
Seek medical care quickly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual for the patient.

OTC medicine safety

For mild pain or fever, ask a registered pharmacist or doctor before using common over-the-counter pain/fever medicines.
Do not combine multiple pain medicines without advice, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, asthma, pregnancy, or take blood thinners.
Do not give adult medicines to children unless a qualified clinician advises it.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or sudden weakness need urgent medical care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.