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Forest Asparagus
Asparagus multiflorus
SA tree number
English: Forest Asparagus, Many-flowered Asparagus, Wild Asparagus
Afrikaans: Boskatdoring, Meerblomasparagus
Historical scientific names: Asparagus scandens var. multiflorus, Protasparagus multiflorus
Asparagus multiflorus, commonly known as Forest Asparagus or Boskatdoring, is a slender, scrambling or climbing indigenous perennial. It's often found weaving its way through other plants in forest undergrowth, recognised by its delicate, feathery 'leaves' and its small, clustered flowers followed by colourful berries. This species is closely related to Asparagus africanus, but can immediately be distinguished by its lack of spines.
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Distinguishing features:
Slender, sprawling or climbing stems, often with small thorns.
Very fine, needle-like, feathery cladodes (modified stems acting as leaves), often in clusters.
Small, bell-shaped, white to pinkish flowers in dense clusters.
Produces small, round, red or black berry-like fruits.
Prefers shaded or semi-shaded, moist forest environments.
Overall appearance:
The Forest Asparagus (Asparagus multiflorus) is a graceful scrambler that creates a soft, feathery texture in the undergrowth of forests. Its slender stems, adorned with delicate, needle-like 'leaves', interweave with other vegetation, and in season, it showcases tiny flowers followed by bright berries.
Height:
As a scrambler, it can reach lengths of 1 to 3 metres, climbing through supporting vegetation.
Width:
Can spread to a width of 1 to 2 metres, forming loose clumps.
Leaves:
What appear to be leaves are actually modified stems called cladodes. These are very fine, needle-like or hair-like, and typically 5-15 mm long. They are arranged in clusters of 3 to 10 (often 4-6) at each node, giving the plant a soft, feathery appearance. The true leaves are reduced to small, scale-like structures, often associated with thorns. The cladodes are bright green to dark green.
Flowers:
The flowers are tiny (about 2-4 mm long), bell-shaped, and typically white to creamy-white, often with a hint of pink. They are borne in dense, multi-flowered clusters (fascicles or short racemes) in the axils of the cladodes, often forming a profuse display along the stems. They can be subtly scented. Asparagus multiflorus flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It generally flowers in late spring to summer (around October to March).
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, round, berry-like drupe, typically 4-6 mm in diameter. It ripens from green to a glossy red or black. Each fruit usually contains 1-3 seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are small, hard, and black, enclosed within the fleshy fruit. They are primarily dispersed by birds that consume the berries.
Stems: The stems are slender, green, and flexible when young, becoming somewhat woody and greyish-brown with age.
Thorns:
Small, sharp, straight or slightly recurved thorns are usually present at the nodes, but they are often less prominent or numerous than in other Asparagus species, especially on young growth.
Roots:
It has a fibrous root system with tuberous roots or rhizomes (underground stems) that store water and nutrients, enabling it to survive dry periods and regenerate.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives in soils with good organic content. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Aspect:
Prefers partial to full shade, especially in hotter climates. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established but performs best with moderate moisture. It is sensitive to severe frost but often resprouts from its underground tubers.
Ediblity:
The berries are generally not considered edible for humans and may cause gastric upset. While some Asparagus species have edible shoots, this plant is not known for such use.
Toxicity:
The berries are considered mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities, causing gastrointestinal upset. The small thorns can cause minor irritation.
Uses:
Often used in indigenous gardens as a delicate groundcover or scrambling shrub in shaded areas, under trees, or along forest margins. Its fine texture and ability to thrive in shade make it valuable for naturalising in woodland gardens. Its berries attract birds. It is also used in floral arrangements as 'greenery'.
Ecology:
The small, clustered flowers attract various insect pollinators. The bright red or black berries are highly attractive to numerous bird species, which feed on them and disperse the seeds. Its scrambling growth provides cover and shelter for small ground-dwelling animals and insects in the undergrowth.
Distribution and habitat:
Asparagus multiflorus is indigenous to the eastern and southern parts of South Africa, including the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces, extending into other African countries. It naturally occurs in moist, shaded environments, typically in forest undergrowth, forest margins, and dense bush.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Asparagus comes from the Greek "asparagos," which is an ancient name for this plant group.
The species name multiflorus is Latin for "many-flowered," referring to the profuse clusters of small flowers that appear along its stems.
Common names like "Forest Asparagus" highlight its typical habitat.
Historical aspects:
As a component of indigenous forest and bush ecosystems, Asparagus multiflorus has long been part of South Africa's natural biodiversity. While not as prominently used in traditional medicine as some other plants, its ecological role in providing cover and food for birds is significant. In horticulture, it is valued for its ability to grow in shaded areas and its delicate appearance, offering an excellent indigenous alternative for difficult shady spots in gardens.
Interesting facts:
This plant is a master of disguise! Its delicate, feathery 'leaves' are actually modified stems called cladodes, making it look much softer than some of its thorny relatives.
It's a bit of a shy bloomer; its tiny flowers are often hidden amongst the foliage, but when they appear, they create a lovely, subtle mass of white or pinkish blooms.
Despite its delicate appearance, it's quite tough and loves to grow in the shadier parts of the garden, making it perfect for under trees where other plants struggle.
The little red berries it produces are like delicious treats for birds, helping to spread its seeds around the forest floor.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Easily propagated from fresh seed (clean pulp off berries before sowing) or by division of its tuberous roots. Cuttings can also be taken.
Planting: Prefers partial to full shade. Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Frost Protection: Sensitive to severe frost, but typically recovers from its underground roots if the top growth is damaged.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Can be pruned to control its rambling habit if it gets too wild.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Asparagaceae (Latin plant name) - Order: Asparagales