Image of Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew.

Description:

Reintroduced to Ein Gedi oasis after was extinct. This desert species reaches its northmost range around the Dead Sea basin (Israel and Jordan). Since it disappeared in Israel (was collected only 2-3 times in the past), seeds were obtained form Jordan and propagated. Now the shrubs are planted near the entrance to the Ein Gedi reserve and are doing very well. Interestingly this species looses its leaves and is very much adapted to the extreme desert. It is very different form the famous Mediterranean Capparis spinosa.