Wild asparagus
Asparagus aethiopicus

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A scrambling plant. It grows from a thick tuberous root growing on the rhizomes or underground stems. The stems are thin and flattened and look like leaves. The flowers are white or pale pink and bell shaped. They are 4 mm long. They are in groups. The fruit is a berry 8 mm across. There are one or more black seeds.

It has become a serious weed in some parts of Australia.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate and tropical plant. It grows well in shaded areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Eswatini, Nauru, Pacific, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tasmania, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The plant is eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Shoots, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or sections of the stem.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Asparagopsis aethiopica (L.) Kunth; Asparagopsis lancea (Thunb.) Kunth; Asparagus aculeatus Voss; Asparagus laetus Salisb.; Asparagus maximus Voss; Asparagus sprengeri Regel; Protoasparagus aethiopicus (L.) Oberm.;