Asparagus acutifolius
L.
Wood asparagus, Spiny asparagus
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAsparagus acutifolius, common name wild asparagus, is an evergreen perennial plant belonging to the genus Asparagus. The specific epithet, acutifolius is derived from Latin acutus (pointed, acute), and -folius (-leaved), and refers to the characteristic shape of the leaves, a quite common feature in the typical plants of the Mediterranean.
Description
A tall plant. It can be 2 m tall. The stems are woody and have many branches. They are whitish or grey. The flattened green stems occur in clusters of 10-30. They are 2-8 mm long and have spines at their tips. Plants are separately male or female. The flowers are in groups of 2-4. They are 3-4 mm long. They are yellowish green. They have a sweet scent. The flowers are mixed with the leaves. The fruit is a berry which is black when ripe. It is 4.5-7.5 mm across.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute, it is preferred by gourmets for its stronger flavour. Excellent when seasoned with oil and lemon juice. Thin, bitter and often stringy according to another report. Very aromatic. A uniquely bitter aromatic flavour. The new shoots are rather thin and are not produced in abundance. Shoots are collected in the spring along the Croatian coast and islands, eaten in risottos, and fried with scrambled eggs.
Traditional Uses
The young shoots are boiled and eaten as a vegetable. They have a distinctive aromatic flavour. They are also used in omelettes. They are also fried. They can be added to stews.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in dry rocky habitats.
Where It Grows
Africa, Albania, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, San Marino, Sicily, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye,
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Plants tolerate considerable neglect on our Cornish trial grounds. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in 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.
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
Other Information
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Notes
There are between 160-300 Asparagus species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Asparagi, Asparago selvatico, Azzouy, Citir, Coban cirasi, Esparrago, Esparragos trigueros, Esparreguera, Gicik, Ispina sorichina, Kuskonmaz, Kuskondurmaz, Ostrolistni beluš, Sekoum, Sparace di rizzogna, Sparacogna, Sparasc', Sparoge, Spar'je, Tilki, Tilkisen, Triguero
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