2. Cynophalla (de Candolle) J. Presl in F. Berchtold and J. S. Presl, Prir. Rostlin. 2: 275. 1825.
Caper-tree [Greek kynos, dog, and phallos, penis, alluding to brilliant red color inside rupturing fruits, which reminded early botanists of a dog’s penis]
Capparis Linnaeus sect. Cynophalla de Candolle in A. P. de Candolle and A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 1: 249. 1824; Capparis subg. Cynophalla (de Candolle) Eichler
Shrubs [trees or rarely vines], evergreen; usually glabrous, rarely puberulent (trichomes multicellular, tufted, stellate, stellulate, or unbranched). Stems erect. Leaves ± distichous (stipules supra-axillary glands, serially arranged in leaf axils just distal to petioles on branchlets, increasing in size distally); petiole relatively long or short, nectaries present; blade obovate, oblong, or broadly to narrowly elliptic, margins entire. Inflorescences terminal or axillary, racemes. Flowers: sepals [equal] 2 unequal pairs (distal pair smaller), each often subtending a nectary; stamens [28-]120-150[-ca. 250]; filaments inserted on a discoid or conical receptacle (androgynophore); anthers ellipsoid; gynophore slender, elongating in fruit. Capsules [berries] dehiscent [indehiscent], linear-cylindric, ± fleshy. Seeds [1-]10-30[-many], usually reniform, arillate, (embryo green). x = 8, 10.
Species ca. 20 (1 in the flora): se United States, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, n South America.
