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Asparagus falcatus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Asparagus falcatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Asparagoideae
Genus: Asparagus
Species:
A. falcatus
Binomial name
Asparagus falcatus

Asparagus falcatus (Sicklethorn, Large Forest Asparagus, Imblekazana or Doringtou) is a large, thorny, climbing plant of the Asparagus genus, that is indigenous to South Africa and Mozambique. It is often grown as a security hedge in southern Africa.

Appearance

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This local Asparagus species sends up long shoots (sometimes up to 7 meters high) from its base of roots and massive tubers. These shoots are initially soft and curl around branches or fences. However, they soon harden, and the downward-pointing thorns help to hook the tendril onto its support - as well as providing defence. The leaves are dark-green, thin and curved.
It produces fragrant white blossoms that are followed by bright red berries, each containing a shiny black seed. The fruits attract a wide variety of birds.

Distribution

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In South Africa, this creeper is indigenous to the forests of the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. It also occurs in neighbouring Mozambique.

Asparagus falcatus in cultivation

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This rapidly growing climber can be grown in very shady parts of a garden, although it also tolerates some sun. It also prefers moist spots, though once established it can also tolerate some drought.
It serves as a very good safety hedge when planted along a fence that it can grow up through.

It can easily be propagated by seed, although it can also be grown from cuttings/trucheons. [1]

References

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  1. ^ "Asparagus falcatus | PlantZAfrica.com". www.plantzafrica.com. Retrieved 2017-08-01.

Further reading

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