Asparagus falcatus
Asparagus falcatus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Asparagaceae |
Subfamily: | Asparagoideae |
Genus: | Asparagus |
Species: | A. falcatus
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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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ "Asparagus falcatus | PlantZAfrica.com". www.plantzafrica.com. Retrieved 2017-08-01.
Further reading
[edit]- Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.