Zygophyllum fabago - Syrian Bean Caper

Scientific Name

Zygophyllum fabago L.

Common Names

Syrian Bean Caper

Synonyms

Zygophyllum fabago subsp. fabago, Fabago alata, Fabago major, Zygophyllum micronatum

Scientific Classification

Family: Zygophyllaceae
Subfamily: Zygophylloideae
Genus: Zygophyllum

Description

Zygophyllum fabago is a bushy plant with leaves and stems that die down at the end of the growing season. It is a perennial that acts as an annual in regions with cold winters. Plants have thick, fleshy, waxy leaves, and can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall. Flowers have five petals varying in color from white to cream. The fruit is a capsule containing five seeds.

Photo via oldboy.icnet.ru

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 7a to 10b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Zygophyllum is found in many deserts and semi deserts of the world, including some of the most arid habitats in which plant life is possible. Species are found in various habitats along hill slopes, dry rivers, ridges, road verges, in coarse sandy soil, calcareous sand and brackish soil.

Species of Zygophyllum are usually not found in cultivation. Some of them are very attractive with their yellow, delicate petals and interesting fruits, and will undoubtedly be suitable for growing in gardens.

Propagation can be done from seed or by taking cuttings in spring… – See more at: Growing and Using Zygophyllum