Asparagaceae (Asparagus family) comprises about 153 genera and some 2,500 species of flowering plants. Distributed nearly worldwide, about 770 species are native to southern Africa. The family is extremely heterogeneus, and its members are united primarily by genetic and evolutionary relationships rather than morphological similarities. The genus name is derived from ‘asparagos’, the Greek name for the cultivated asparagus. The species name aethiopicus is Latin and means ‘from Africa’.

After splitting up the old Lily family into smaller families of more closely related plants, taxonomists defined the Asparagus, Agave, Beargrass, and Brodiaea families. Later this four families are considering together as subfamilies within a conglomerate; Asparagus family. Members of Asparagaceae have 3 sepals and 3 petals that are similar in size and color, plus 6 stamens and a 3-parted pistil.

Asparagus aethiopicus – Sprenger’s Asparagus: is a plant native to the Cape and the Northern Provinces of South Africa usually found in dry areas, shale hills and coastal bush. Ground Asparagus Fern is another common name. Asparagus aethiopicus has been confused with Asparagus densiflorus, now regarded as a separate species.  This species was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1767. “Sprenger’s Asparagus,” refers to Carl Ludwig Sprenger who made it popular in Europe as an ornamental plant.

Sprenger’s Asparagus is a branching perennial climber up to 2–3 m high. Young stems are twining and ribbed, becoming woody, smooth and pale. Woody stems which are armed with short, 10–12 mm long, hard, recurved spines. The true leaves are reduced to scales. The leaves are not true leaves but are actually leaf-like cladodes (modified flattened stem), which are 10–20 mm long, 2-3 mm wide, and arise in groups of 4–6 from the stem. Cladodes are cylindrical in cross section, tipped with a short, sharp point and usually grey-green.

3–5 mm long, star-like, fragrant flowers are white or pinkish-white, with three sepals and three petals. Flowersarise in clusters off the stem, mainly in summer to winter. Flowers are followed by, small, rounded, 5 mm in diameter, green berries, which bear a black, 3 mm diameter seed. Green berries, turn red when mature in spring to early summer. Plants are dioecious, there is no need another plant to produce berries. This species produces creeping underground stems (rhizomes) and bulbous tubers as well as its above ground stems.

Asparagus aethiopicus has been confused with Asparagus densiflorus.  Asparagus densiflorus is a small (30–60 cm tall), compact bushy plant with no spines. According to some authors; the true current identity of ‘Sprenger’s Asparagus’ is the cultivar; Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’.

Sprenger’s Asparagus is a species that adapts very well to a variety of habitats and has the ability to grow well under harsh and disturbed conditions. It grows well in in full sun or light shade. It does best with consistent moisture, although plants should be kept drier in the winter. The foliage will yellow and drop if the soil is too dry or there isn’t enough light. Old or yellowed stems should be cut out at the base and the ends of stems can be trimmed back to keep the plant shaped. Because of the tuberous roots which store water, it is drought tolerant. Plant can be propagated by seed or dividing clumps. It is hardy up to – 7 °C.

Use in Landscape: Asparagus aethiopicus is valued as an ornamental for its bright green, arching stems and ferny foliage. In mild climates, it is planted outdoors as a groundcover ornamental plant or may keep in containers also can be trained up a trellis. In cold climates Sprenger’s Asparagus is grown as an indoor plant. This plant makes a great filler plant in containers, especially in hanging baskets or large urns where the delicate foliage can cascade down. These plants can quickly outgrow their containers, so need frequent repotting to keep them growing vigorously. The foliage can also be incorporated as filler with cut flowers in arrangements.

Consuming the berries of Asparagus aethiopicus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and contact with the skin may cause dermatitis. The plant is toxic to domestic cats and dogs.