Iranian Researchers Locally Grow Capparis Spinose to Tackle Deforestation

Capparis spinosa is a species of arid and semi-arid climate zones and is well known as a highly drought tolerant plant.

“There is only one-percent chance of Capparis seed germinating naturally. For that, in this research we were able to cultivate it in an agricultural way and increase the chance of its germination to 98%,” Hassan Radmanesh, the managing director of the Iranian knowledge-based company said.

“In this method, we grow this plant in the greenhouse and present its 6-month-old seedlings to the farmers, and the farmers give it one to two liters of water a week and stop watering as soon as the first germination occurs in the soil,” Radmanesh explained.

He noted that no plough, fertilizer or water is needed to grow the plant.

“Capparis can withstand temperatures of +40 to -10 degrees Celsius, while it is resistant to salt stress, and if its 6-month-old seedlings are prepared, we guarantee 100% the establishment of this plant. The lifespan of this plant is 50 to 60 years,” he added.

He also said that they have been able to obtain the knowledge-based grade for their achievement in growing Capparis from the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy.

The researcher said that the plant can be used to tackle deforestation in dry areas in the country, adding that its bud can be commercialized.

"Some companies operating in the food industry have ask people to collect this plant in the plains and pay them for it. Moreover, one of the companies operating in the food industry exports its sprouts to Germany," he said.

According to the researcher, the honey obtained from the plant is sold for 35 to 45 dollars in hte Persian Gulf countries.

With regard to medical uses of the plant, Radmanesh said,  "The plant will unblock heart vessels, spleen and livers, while its fruit is anti-cancer. That's why this plant is called 'vegetable caviar'.

The researcher said that they have planted Capparis in Zehak in Sistan and Baluchestan province, noting that Persian Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Eunited Arab Emirates (UAE) are planting the plant to tackle deforestation and dust storms in their countries.

"This plant does not allow the wind to penetrate into the soil surface; therefore, it will prevent the occurrence of dust storms, and since the roots of this plant are located in the soil from 3 to 30 meters, it will also stabilize the soil," Radmanesh concluded. 

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