The Mediterranean-Saharo-Arabian-Irano-Turanian species is native of Mediteranean basin to Mongolia and from Indian Subcontinent to Philippines and South-West Pacific. For Arabian Peninsula, it is native to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Gulf States, Oman and Yemen.

Capparis spinosa and Capparis cartilaginea are closely related species and can be difficult to distinguish due to their shared morphological traits. However, some key features help differentiate them: C. spinosa typically has bluish- to grayish-green rounded leaves and flowers with pink to purplish petals, while C. cartilaginea displays thick, light green leaves and entirely white petals and anthers. This species is including 11 varieties among them, 5 are native from Saudi Arabia : Capparis spinosa subsp. aegyptia (Lam.) Kit Tan & Runemark Capparis spinosa var. canescens Coss. Capparis spinosa var. mucronifolia (Boiss.) Hedge & Lamond ex R.R.Stewart Capparis spinosa subsp. parviflora (Boiss.) Ahmadi, H.Saeidi & Mirtadz. Capparis spinosa subsp. spinosa which is probably the variety we found in AlUla County.

Aromatic usages; Medicinal use

Palatable; Melliferous

A highly valued species in traditional medicine, where its flower buds and fruits are widely used. It is consumed as a food source (pickled capers) and used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal ailments, as a diuretic, and for "blood purification." It is also utilized for soil stabilization in arid regions.