Asparagus falcatus

Short description: Species of vine

Asparagus falcatus

Scientific classification
Kingdom:  | Plantae
Clade:  | Tracheophytes
Clade:  | Angiosperms
Clade:  | Monocots
Order:  | Asparagales
Family:  | Asparagaceae
Subfamily:  | Asparagoideae
Genus:  | Asparagus
Species:  |

A. falcatus

Binomial name
Asparagus falcatus

(L.) Druce

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.

## Contents

* 1 Appearance
* 2 Distribution
* 3 Asparagus falcatus in cultivation
* 4 References
* 5 Further reading

## Appearance

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

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

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

1. ↑ "Asparagus falcatus | PlantZAfrica.com". http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/asparagusfal.htm.

## Further reading

* Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million.. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11892.

Wikidata ☰ Q4807691 entry

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