Asparagus asparagoides (100 seeds)

Asparagus asparagoides.

Family: Asparagaceae

Common names: Cape smilax, African asparagus smilax, baby smilax, bridal creeper, bridal veil creeper.

It is an herbaceous, scrambling or climbing, much-branched perennial with twisting, wiry, spineless stems that can grow up to 3 m in length. Roots are rhizomatous and form numerous root tubers. It has decorative shiny green leaves that are not true leaves but phylloclades or ‘leaf-like branches’. Roots serve a medicinal purpose as a balm for sore eyes, as a purgative and as a fertility charm for cattle.

Sowing instructions: Sow the seeds in spring or summer, using a general, well-drained, sterile, sowing medium. Keep warm and moist, transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade.

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: November 2024