Asparagus rubicundus stems and spines

The smooth, glossy and hairless stems of Asparagus rubicundus may be as dark as seen here. The plant grows in a moist and shady spot in Fernkloof at Hermanus. The lower parts of the spines are pale in the photo. Papery bracts are sometimes seen, probably dropping off early. Young stem growth is initially soft and green.

The clusters of soft yellow-green false leaves invite touching; an attraction that will promptly be contradicted by the sharpness of the rigid, curving spines; a bit like the unpleasant surprise the Sirens had for sailors in Homer’s tale (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; iSpot).