PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for optimal flowering; tolerates partial shade in extreme desert heat
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in hot arid conditions; tolerates light frost down to 5°C but may suffer leaf damage below this threshold
Characteristics
- Leaf: Thick, leathery, cartilaginous-margined oval to oblong leaves with glossy green surfaces
- Flower: Fragrant white to pale pink nocturnal flowers with prominent long stamens
- Stem: Woody gray-brown stems with sparse sharp thorns at leaf axils
Care Guide
Watering
Water every 7–10 days during active growth to support flowering
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush thoroughly dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons around the base of the shrub every 3 months, gently working into the topsoilPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches in early spring to encourage new growth
- Thin dense inner branches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Trim back overgrown stems after flowering to maintain a compact rounded shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Potential mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if large amounts of foliage are ingested; not explicitly listed by ASPCA
Humans: Mild oral irritation and nausea if raw foliage is ingested; pickled flower buds (capers) are safe for human consumption
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; mature flower buds are pickled for culinary use
