Asparagus striatus young cladodes

These lush Asparagus striatus leaves, false leaves or cladodes were photographed at Joubertina in the Langkloof during May. The linear leaves are ridged and rigid, sometimes curving, particularly near their hard, somewhat spiny tips.

The plant grows from rhizomes and extensive roots.

White flowers late in spring are followed by globose berries that start off green and turn orange and red when ripe. Each berry bears one or two seeds. These berries gave the plant the Afrikaans name of bergappel (moutain apple) (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Shearing and Van Heerden, 2008; iNaturalist; http://worldfloraonline.org).