Capparis lanceolaris DC.
Characteristics: Slightly climbing shrub; branches covered in adpressed hairs, without small scales at the base. However, bent thorns are common. Leaves oblong oval, 5-15 cm in length, 2-6 cm in width, apex acuminate, often cuspidate. Leaf base is acute to round. The back side of leaves is often covered in hairs. Petiole 0.7-1.5 cm in length. Flowers are white and axillary, 4 sepals, obovate, 20-40 stamens. Fruit is bluish black.
Distribution: Southeast Asia, Java, New Guinea, Australia and Taiwan. In Taiwan it is only found in hilly areas, low coastal forests and rocky areas of Lanyu (Orchid Island).
Specimen introduction: S. Yano specimen no. 348. Collection site is described as Antaw-islet (Hongtou Islet), which refers to present day Lanyu (Orchid Island) of Taitung County. Collection date is March 17, 1897. This specimen number can be found in the collection databases of LE, SAPS and TNM. Following a survey of the original specimen information, specimen no. 348 in the collection of SAPS lists the collection site as Antaw-islet but without the Chinese characters. Fortunately, the specimen in the collection of LE includes the Chinese characters. With the Chinese characters, it is possible to verify the location using the pronunciation in the Hokkien dialect. Hongtou Islet is the former name of Lanyu.
