Capparis lutaoensis C.E. Chang
Characteristics: Shrub 2-5 m in height, branches covered in hairs, base without small scales, but with very few bent thorns. Leaves are oblong oval or ovoid lanceolate, 7-25 cm in length, 2.5-8 cm in width, apex attenuate, base acute to obtuse, petiole length 0.5-0.8. Short racemes, axillary; 4 sepals of non-uniform size; petals obovate, white, light green or pink, 20-30 (-50) stamens. Fruit is black when ripe.
Distribution: Endemic to Green Island, distributed along hill boundaries and in seaside areas.
Taxonomy: In terms of taxonomy, this species is currently described as Capparis publifora DC. Following specimen comparisons, some differences have been discovered. Thus, we use the initial scientific name Capparis lutaoensis C.E. Chang, as described by Mr. Hsieh Guang-Pu.
Specimen introduction: S. Yano specimen no. 345. Collection site is described as Fehsho-islet (Huoshao Island), which is today's Green Island of Taitung County. Collection date is March 13, 1897. This specimen number can be found in the collections of LE and TNM. Without the Chinese characters for the collection site, it would be necessary to use the Hokkien dialect to understand that this islet refers to Green Island. In the Hokkien dialect, Feh-sho means Huoshao ("to burn"). Huoshao Island was a former name of Green Island.
