Asparagus juniperoides

Asparagus juniperoides, previously known as Myrsiphyllum juniperoides in the days when it was still classified in the Liliaceae or lily family, is a fleshy rooted perennial reaching 21 cm.

The specific name, juniperoides, likens it to the juniper tree of the cypress family with needle-like leaves. There are also junipers growing scale-like leaves, not meant in this comparison.

The species is found in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape and in Namibia. The photo was taken in the Goegap Nature Reserve.

The plants grow in sandy soil or among rocks growing several stems or often found several plants growing together in colonies. The species is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Eliovson, 1990; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).