Flowering phenology and fruit formation of Capparis micracantha in the Bogor Botanic Gardens

Abstract

Capparis micracantha is a Capparaceae family member. Generally, studies on the phenology of this species have not been widely reported. Current research focuses on the chemical composition and its potential as a medicinal plant. Additionally, another interesting phenomenon of C. micracantha is the presence of black ants. This study aims to ascertain the development of flower and fruit formation, as well as the ant-C. micracantha symbiosis. The observation was conducted from January 2017 until January 2020, twice a week at 08.00, 11.00 a.m, and 02.00 p.m., including the development of the branch, leaves, flowers, and fruit. The results indicated that C. micracantha is a shrub with beautiful flowers, both perfect and imperfect flowers. The number of imperfect flowers is approximately 80% greater than the number of perfect flowers. The fruit is round, green when immature, and red fully mature. The development period from bud into ripe fruit was between 90 and 100 days. February-April, June-August, and October-December are the fruiting seasons. The black ants coexist with this plant in a mutualistic symbiosis.