Herb: Syrian Bean Caper


Latin name: Zygophyllum fabago


Family: Zygophyllaceae (Creosote-bush Family)



Edible parts of Syrian Bean Caper:

The flower buds are pickled and used as a caper substitute.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Dry places.

Propagation of Syrian Bean Caper:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry places.

Medicinal use of Syrian Bean Caper:

None known

Known hazards of Zygophyllum fabago:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.