This tuberous perennial forms a thick mat habit with arching thorny stems up to 2m (6ft) long. The small bright green leaves are needle-like and the small bell-shaped scented white flowers appear in a large raceme during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Protasparagus aethiopicus is naturally found in South Africa growing in well drained poor sandy soils in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tolerant.

Asparagus Fern is a tough plant that is grown for its spreading habit and its flowers. It is planted in gardens as a ground cover or spill-over in rockeries or used in a hanging basket and pots. It is also regarded as a weed when grown under ideal conditions and is commonly seen on sand dunes and in bushland settings. ID 813

Protasparagus(pro-tă-SPARA-gus) aethiopicus(ee-THEE-op-ee-kus)

Liliaceae (lil-ee-AY-see-ee)
Lily Family