Asparagus-fern (Asparagus aethiopicus, Mant. Pl.: 1 (1770))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. Pl.: 1 (1770)

Year: 1770

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asparagus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Cape Prov. to North-West Province

Description

Asparagus-fern, scientifically identified as Asparagus aethiopicus, is a perennial plant that forms a delicate and airy lattice of fine, feathery foliage. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is often admired for its intricate, fern-like leaves, which, despite its common name, are actually cladodes (flattened leaf-like stems) rather than true leaves. These cladodes bear a distinct and attractive appearance that makes the plant a popular choice for both indoor decorative settings and outdoor garden landscapes.

This plant was first described in the botanical work “Mantissa Plantarum” in 1770 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, whose contributions to plant taxonomy are well documented in botanical literature. Asparagus-fern thrives in the regions stretching from the Cape Province to the North-West Province in South Africa, showcasing its adaptability to various environmental conditions within these locales.

In terms of cultivation, Asparagus-fern is appreciated for its ease of care and hardiness. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, although it tends to flourish in filtered sunlight. As a drought-resistant species, it requires moderate watering, ensuring that the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged. Its resilience extends to a tolerance for pruning, which is often necessary to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

While visually enticing, it’s important to note that Asparagus-fern can become invasive in certain climates if not properly managed. Its vigorous growth habit can lead to it spreading beyond intended garden boundaries, necessitating regular maintenance to keep it under control.

The plant also has practical applications beyond horticulture. In some cultures, it is used in traditional medicine, although such uses should be approached with caution and professional guidance due to potential toxicity.

Asparagus-fern adds a touch of elegance to any plant collection with its lush greenery and delicate form. Whether displayed in hanging baskets, utilized as ground cover, or incorporated into floral arrangements, its versatility and aesthetic appeal make it a cherished addition to the green thumb’s repertoire.

Common Names

Eng: sprenger’s asparagus fern, sprenger’s-fern, asparagus-fern, emerald-feather, emerald-fern, sprengeris-fern
Deu: sprengers zier-spargel
Por: aspargo
Fra: asperge de sprenger
Swe: natalsparris
Afr: haakdoring
En: Asparagus-fern, Sprengeris-fern, Sprenger’s-fern, Emerald-feather, Emerald-fern, Sprenger’s Asparagus, Sprenger’s asparagus fern
Af: Haakdoring
Ar: إسبرجس خشن
Az: Şıxçiçəkli qulançar
Zh: Fei zhou tian men dong
Fr: Asperge de Sprenger, Asperge d’Éthiopie
De: Sprengers Zier-Spargel
Pt: Aspargo
Sv: Natalsparris, Hängsparris

Synonyms

• Protasparagus aethiopicus ((L.) Oberm.)
• Asparagus aculeatus (Voss)
• Asparagus maximus (Voss)
• Asparagopsis aethiopica ((L.) Kunth)
• Asparagopsis lancea ((Thunb.) Kunth)
• Asparagus laetus (Salisb.)
• Asparagus lanceus (Thunb.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jan 3, 2019 by gourav (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by Elizabete Botelho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2020 by Andre Andre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2021 by Rei MULUMBA LULUA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Kaileb Liehr (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 2015 by EOL − claytongmanning (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 31, 2008 by EOL − John Tann (cc-by)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2022 by Ros Lary (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by eligia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2019 by Leider Leider Silva So (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Gomez Campaña Elisa Marie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2011 by EOL − John Tann (cc-by)

Taken Dec 18, 2019 by Coronel Alanis (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 24, 2020 by Burtoboy Mónica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Mariel Natalí (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2019 by Steve Donineaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Villaronga Lorenzo Lois Antón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2014 by EOL − Lisa Mondragon (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Raffaella D’Ambra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Marcondes de Oliveira Mikael (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2017 by Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2768763)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:530994-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asparagus aethiopicus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Growth