Asparagus capensis new shoot

A new Asparagus capensis shoot reminds of the plant’s relationship with the common, edible asparagus that is not indigenous to South Africa. The erect shoot is soft and green, also used as a foodstuff, although not often in famine-free days.

Elongation is bigger lower down in the internodes between the single shoots developing at the nodes at this stage. The stem will stiffen into a woody structure later, supporting multiple side-shoots from every node (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; Leistner, (Ed.), 2000).