The general aim of this study was to describe the growth and bromatology of Capparis flexuosa L. in an area of Caatinga, Paraiba State, Brazil. To analyze the growth evolution, the plants were divided in four groups according to the height classes: GI until 0.50 m; GII from 0.51 to 1 m; GIII from 1.01 to 1.50 m and GIV above >1.51 m; the plants height, the number of branches and the basal diameter were determined, in the period between March and December, 2007. The bromatological composition of leaves and branches of Capparis flexuosa was evaluated. It was showed, in all groups, that Capparis flexuosa presents a slow growth, even in the wet season. However, until August, we verified an increase in the number of branches, not dependent on the established group. During the showed period, we did not find differences (p > 0.05) between plants in terms of diameter, in all groups. The content of Crude protein (8.13%); gross fiber (32.32%); extract ether (5.37%); Organic Matter (91.95%); Ash (8.05%); dry matter (47.1%); Moisture (52.9%) and Energy (5015 cal g-1) of Capparis flexuosa sugests that this species can be used as forage.
Forage plant; Capparaceae; Semiarid; Northeast Region; Nutritional values
