Sicklethorn
Family
Asparagaceae
Origin
Southern and eastern Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, India and Sri Lanka.
Description
Asparagus falcatus is a robust thorny creeper that has attractive white flowers and red berries. It is an evergreen climbing shrub, up to 7 m high. The roots of this plant form swollen tubers that resemble sweet potatoes. Older stems are light grey and have sharp, hard thorns that are curved backwards. The thorns serve as protection against predators as well as to grip onto the host plant to reach sunlight. Leaves are up to 80 mm long, sickle-shaped, shiny dark green with a prominent vein. It has small, white, fragrant flowers appearing from September to December. The fruit is a red berry. The seed is round, shiny and black.
Environment
It grows well in shade, but will tolerate partial sunlight.The plant grows best in moist, well-drained humus-peat soil. The leaves are get sometimes eaten by various insects. To control the damage, occasionally spray the foliage with a pesticide..
Landscape Use
Asparagus falcatus makes an attractive pot plant for a shady area, both indoors and out. It is also a plant that birds love to nest in as it provides perfect shelter and protection, so use it to attract birds to your garden.
