Asparagus retrofractus, the tangled mass

The large spreading, tangled mass of spiny Asparagus retrofractus branches is truly impenetrable by those not wearing armour. The shrubs reach heights of 3 m. Stems are pale grey with recurved spines on the older, lower branches. Younger branches have ribbed surfaces. Growing intimately into other shrubs or trees is common for this and some other Asparagus species.

There is a robust root system on the plant that was used medicinally by Khoi and San people when they still roamed the veld of South Africa and Namibia.

This Asparagus has acquired new common names, such as zigzag shrub in the USA, where it is often cultivated; also in containers and as bonsai. The zigzag stem shape changes direction at every node (Shearing and van Heerden, 2008; Bean and Johns, 2005; www.smgrowers.com).