Zygophyllum fabago aka Syrian Bean Caper

Zygophyllum fabago is a perennial known as Syrian bean caper. It belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and grows in temperate regions. Its native range spans Romania to western and northern China, and includes Egypt. Records also place it in the Caucasus and southwest Asia. These include Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and countries along the eastern Mediterranean. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 4 feet [1.2 metres] in height. It grows in dry places within its range. In gardens, it needs an open site with full sun. Shade does not suit it. A cultivated bed can provide a place to grow it. PFAF also lists a site beside an east-facing wall. The supplied sources give no details about its leaves or stems.

Flowers appear from July through September. Seeds ripen from August through October, overlapping with the flowering season. PFAF describes male and female flowers growing on separate plants. A single plant therefore cannot produce seed on its own. Grow both sexes where seed production is the aim. The flower buds have a food use rather than just garden value. People pickle them to use in place of capers. This is the only edible part identified in the supplied evidence.

Choose dry soil that lets excess water drain away fast. Sandy and loamy soils suit the plant. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Although it can grow in moist soil, it prefers a dry site. Once conditions suit it, the plant can withstand drought. PFAF gives USDA zones 7–10 and cold tolerance near 14–23°F [−10 to −5°C]. It may not survive in colder parts of Britain. Good drainage remains part of its stated growing needs.

Sow seed in a greenhouse in spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them outdoors in late spring or early summer. Spring division offers another way to raise plants. Larger divisions can go straight into their final sites. Keep smaller divisions protected until they grow well. PFAF flags weed potential, but gives no detail on spread. It lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That hazard statement does not establish safety for people or pets.