Catthorn Asparagus

A perennial erect to spreading shrub, reaching 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height. The stems are brush-like, zig-zagged and end in spines. The stem surface is smooth or faintly downy. In colour, the stems are brown to pale cream or grey. The branchlets and spines are not as prominently reflexed as those of the closely related Asparagus burchellii. Groups of straight-to-curved spines radiate from each node along the stem. These spines are in groups of 2 or 3, and the lateral ones usually have tiny, reduced growth nodes on them (unlike the smooth spines of Asparagus capensis). Groups of 1-6 extremely small leaves radiate from each node on the branches. The leaf clusters are spreading or ascending. Each leaf is cylindrical, tapering at both ends. The solitary flowers are on stalks (unlike the sessile flowers of Asparagus capensis) and are very fragrant. The white obovate tepals are spreading and filaments are spreading, with orange-yellow stamens. The fruits are small, single-seed berries that ripen to a red or black colour.

Related species. …