Wild asparagus
Asparagus cooperi

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A small shrub or climber. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are loosely branched and have side shoots. The leaves are spiny. It grows 2 m high. The flowers are white and in groups. The fruit is a berry 5 mm across. It is red.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in well-drained sandy or stony soil. It grows in regions with a summer rainfall. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

The young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. The roots are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Shoots, stems, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gaobeb, Katdoring, Lubane, Okalila konghadi

Synonyms

Protoasparagus cooperi (Baker) Oberm.; Asparagus africanus Jessop; Asparagus burkei Baker; Asparagus rivalis Burch. ex Kies;