Capparis spinosa Caper
This Mediterranean native plant was very widespread on this eastern Aegean island, growing on rough ground, as a weed in once tended flowerbeds and out of sea cliffs. The flowers seem to last only a day and flop or at least close up by late afternoon so you have to take photos in the moring for best effects.
Capparis spinosa is useful in the kitchen where the pickled buds or berries can be served with salads in Cyprus, Turkey or Sicily in particular. It has also been known to herbalists for many years including Pliny, Theophrastus and Discorides who knew it as Aspalathus. In those days it was believed to be helpul against the sysmptoms of rheumatism.
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Cliffs and Rough ground near Lindos Mare hotel, Rhodes 18th May 2010
Added on July 2nd 2010, updated 12th Nov 2014