Asparagus aethiopicus, Asparagus sprengeri

Botanists like to give plants names that come out of nowhere. Asparagus aethiopicus is a perfect example. This plant is native to South Africa, not Addis Ababa. And, although it belongs to the Asparagaceae family, it looks more like a fern than an asparagus. No wonder florists have renamed it! On their shelves, it's called Asparagus sprengeri or Asparagus de Sprenger.

Smaller than asparagus falcatus, Asparagus aethiopicus reaches a meter in height. This perennial has an upright habit when young. Over time, its supple stems droop.

The stems bear spiny scales at each node. They are dotted at regular intervals with cladodes. These bright-green, oval twigs measure up to two centimetres long and two millimetres wide. They grow in rosettes, usually in groups of four, along the stem.

Sprenger's Asparagus blooms in summer. Clusters of white or pale pink flowers bloom on the stem.

If fertilization takes place, the flower develops into a fruit, a green berry that turns bright red when ripe. Inside is a black seed.

Birds love Asparagus aethiopicus fruit. But don't imitate them. The berry is toxic to humans, dogs, cats and most domestic animals. The plant can also cause skin allergies. Don't hesitate to wear gloves when pruning or repotting.