Ethiopian asparagus (Asparagus abyssinicus) — Edible Plant

Summary

A perennial that is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production. Pollinated by bees, it is not self-fertile. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. The plant grows in semi-shade to full sun and tolerates both dry and moist conditions.

Description

A perennial that is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production. Pollinated by bees, it is not self-fertile. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. The plant grows in semi-shade to full sun and tolerates both dry and moist conditions.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. Root - cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

A tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia*,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak 12 hours in warm water and sow spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame until they have rooted well.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are between 160-300 Asparagus species.

References (4)

Heywood, V.H., Brummitt, R.K., Culham, A., and Seberg, O., 2007, Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. p 351 (Genus)
Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 56
Molla, A., Ethiopian Plant Names. http://www.ethiopic.com/aplants.htm
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/