Bushveld asparagus
Asparagus suaveolens

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It can be a climber. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-2 m high. The stems are spiny. These put out new branches each year. The stems are flattened and look like leaves. There are 1-6 in a group. They are narrow. The flowers have a scent. The flowers occur as 1-3 in a cluster. They are small and white with a red stripe. The fruit is a round, black or red berry. It has one seed. It is about 5 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on sandy and stony soil. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The plants is eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Shoots, stems, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Lethajwa, Mannetjie, Mvane

Synonyms

Protoasparagus suaveolens (Burch.) Oberm.;