Asparagus setaceus

(Kunth) Jessop

Feathery asparagus

Asparagaceae Edible: Shoots, Vegetable Potential hazards — see below 8,702 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Asparagus setaceus, with the common names of common asparagus fern, asparagus grass, lace fern, climbing asparagus, or ferny asparagus, is a plant in the family Asparagaceae native to southern Africa. Despite its common name, the plant is not a true fern, but has leaves that resemble one.

Description

An evergreen vine. It is twining or trailing. It has strong thorns. The stems are wiry and it climbs 2 m high. The leaves are small and flat and arranged like a feather. The flowers are small and white. They are 3 mm long. The fruit are red to black berries. They have 1-3 seeds.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots. No more details are given but it is likely that they are cooked and used like asparagus.

Traditional Uses

The plants is eaten as a vegetable.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Asparagus setaceus is toxic to many domestic animals, including dogs and cats, and if they ingest the berries, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and allergic dermatitis may result. The toxic agent within the plant is sapogenin, a naturally occurring steroid.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in open forest. It is best in moist soil and a partly shaded position. It is damaged by frost and drought.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Botswana, China, East Africa, Eswatini, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malawi, Marquesas, Mozambique, Nauru, North America, Pacific, Rotuma, SE Asia, South Africa*, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seed or division of the rhizome.

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.