Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop
Vernacular name: Asparagus Fern, Foxtail Fern, Sprenger’s Asparagus
Species Name: Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop
Family: Asparagaceae
Habit: Perennial, evergreen, spiny subshrub.
Stem: Erect to spreading or scrambling, woody at the base, distinctly striate, up to about 1 m; older stems bear short, slightly hooked spines.
Leaf: True leaves reduced to small scales; apparent foliage consists of linear, flat cladodes, 1–5 in fascicles, about 1–3 cm long.
Flowering: Mainly warm season; may flower throughout the year under favourable conditions.
Flowers: Small, white to pinkish-white, bisexual, borne in short axillary many-flowered racemes or panicles; perianth 6-parted; stamens 6; ovary superior, 3-locular.
Fruit: Globose, bright red berry, about 8–10 mm in diameter, usually 1–2-seeded.
Uses:
- In traditional practices, tropical applications of mashed leaves are use to heal minor cuts and wounds.
- Folk remedies uses tubers to treat stomach aches in children.
- Its feathery green foliage makes it a good ornamental plant, planted in hanging baskets, window boxes and containers. Plant is also used as ground cover and border plant.
- Foliage is widely used in floral industry for decorations and bouquets.
- Tuberous roots of plant prevents soil erosion.
