Bergappel, Katdoring
Asparagus striatus
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are spiny. It grows 1.2 m high. The leaves are very small scales. The stems are flattened and look like leaves and have a spine at the end. The flowers have a scent. The flowers are small and white and occur in groups with small hard brown bracts at the base. The fruit is a berry. It is 5 mm across and red with 1 or 2 seeds. They are green but turn yellow then red as they ripen.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in rocky and stony places. In southern Africa it grows between 1-1,670 m altitude. It is very drought tolerant. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
A fly (Asparagobius braunsi) produces large round galls that are eaten.
Edible parts
Galls