Asparagus-fern (Asparagus africanus, Encycl. 1: 295 (1783))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 1: 295 (1783)

Year: 1783

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asparagus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen., W. India

Description

The Asparagus-fern, scientifically known as Asparagus africanus, is a versatile and hardy plant native to tropical and southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the West Indies. This elegant perennial is part of the Asparagaceae family, which includes several well-known asparagus species. First described in the Encyclopedia Volume 1, page 295, in 1783 by the botanist Lam., the Asparagus-fern has since become a favorite among plant enthusiasts and horticulturists worldwide.

Characterized by its delicate, feathery foliage, the Asparagus-fern offers a lush appearance reminiscent of ferns, despite being botanically distinct. Unlike true ferns, this species is a flowering plant that produces small, inconspicuous blooms followed by berries. The plant’s wiry stems can adapt well to various growing conditions and are particularly noted for their ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Native to regions with diverse climatic conditions, the Asparagus-fern is remarkably resilient. Its extensive root system allows it to endure periods of drought, making it a suitable choice for garden landscapes in arid areas. Meanwhile, in more temperate climates, it can be grown as a houseplant, where it adds a touch of greenery and elegance to interior spaces.

While often cultivated for its ornamental value, it is important to handle the Asparagus-fern with care. The plant’s berries can be mildly toxic if ingested, and its sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Despite these minor precautions, its ease of cultivation and minimal care requirements make it an appealing plant for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Overall, the Asparagus-fern is a testament to the beauty and adaptability of the Asparagaceae family. Whether gracing a home environment or landscaped garden, this plant stands out for its enchanting foliage and hardy nature, offering a glimpse into the botanical diversity of its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: african asparagus, asparagus-fern, climbing asparagus
Swe: plymsparris
En: Asparagus-fern, Climbing asparagus, African asparagus
Ar: Nasheet, Hamomar, Dahwab, Haneyat Altamr, Shgaret Alnamr
Sv: Plymsparris

Synonyms

• Asparagopsis lamarckii (Kunth)
• Protasparagus africanus ((Lam.) Oberm.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Oman (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Queensland (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

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

Leaf

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by troy giambernardi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Felipe Cascardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by Davis Mondet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Duarte Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Nicolette Rodriguez (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Skyler (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Susan Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Susan Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Susan Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Skyler (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2768551)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:530996-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asparagus africanus Lam.)

Specifications

Growth