Asparagus falcatus

Sicklethorn, Large forest asparagus

Asparagaceae Edible: Shoots, Roots Potential hazards — see below 1,019 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

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.

Description

A climber. The roots have tubers. The stem can climb 7 m. The branches have grooves. It has sharp spines. The leaves are small and bright green. They are sickle shaped and 5 cm long. The flowers are small and have a sweet smell. They are white. The fruit are small orange berries.

Edible Uses

The shoots and roots are eaten.

Known Hazards

The plant has sharp spines.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. In Swaziland it grows only in the lowveld. It needs rich, moist, well-drained soil. It grows in dense scrub and along the edges of forests.

Where It Grows

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Notes

There are between 160-300 Asparagus species.

Synonyms

Protoasparagus falcatus (L.) Oberm.

Also Known As

Akako-bamakanga, Mowungwi, Munmulungo, Umushabishabi

References (8)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 108
Fowler, D. G., 2007, Zambian Plants: Their Vernacular Names and Uses. Kew. p 65
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 34
Macmillan, H.F. (Revised Barlow, H.S., et al), 1991, Tropical Planting and Gardening. Sixth edition. Malayan Nature Society. Kuala Lumpur. p 356
Mutie, F. M., et al, 2023, Important Medicinal and Food Taxa (Orders and Families) in Kenya, Based on Three Quantitative Approaches. Plants 2023, 12, 1145

Show all 8 references