Mustards, Capers, and Allies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER BRASSICALES

-Caper Family (Family Capparaceae)

-Genus Morisonia

-Rat Apple (Morisonia americana)

It is a drought-resistant plant that can grow in a variety of habitats, including barren land, low-lying areas, and dry forests. Moringa oleifera has an attractive, slender shape, with long, drooping branches and greyish-green leaves. Its flowers are small and white, and its fruits are long and slender. Moringa oleifera is highly nutritious and has a variety of uses, from food and medicine to water purification and animal feed.

Description

• Morisonia americana, commonly known as black calabash or Jamaican caper, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the caper family (Capparaceae). It has leathery, oval to elliptic leaves and produces showy flowers with numerous long stamens, typically white to pinkish, that give the flowers a delicate, brush-like appearance. The flowers may open in the evening or at night, depending on conditions, and can attract nocturnal pollinators. Its fruits are rounded to oval and contain seeds embedded in fleshy pulp.

Range

• Morisonia americana is native to tropical and subtropical America, including parts of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• This species grows in warm coastal and lowland habitats, including tropical dry forest, scrub, woodland edges, and rocky or sandy sites. It is adapted to warm climates and can tolerate relatively dry conditions once established. It may also occur in disturbed areas and coastal landscapes where drainage is good.