Asparagus capensis showing spines

The straight or curved spines along the stems of Asparagus capensis grow in groups of three. The middle one is straight and longest, reaching a length of up to 3 cm, the lateral pair short and curved. The reason for the common name of Cape cat thorn is not hard to find looking at this picture.

The plant in picture has experienced seasonal stress. Some smaller branches have died, showing just the recurved spines remaining on the whitish stems (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Manning, 2007; iSpot).