Climbing Asparagus fern

Description

Asparagus scandens, (also known as Climbing Asparagus fern or Krulkransie) is a plant native to South Africa in the Asparagus genus. This fine, delicate looking creeper is actually quite hardy. It prefers shady areas and moisture, but can tolerate some drought. Its soft, feathery foliage is a deep, rich green and unlike other asparagus ferns, this species does not grow thorns. This tough little creeper is indigenous to the shady afro-montane forests of the Western Cape, South Africa. Here it can be found from the indigenous woods and kloofs of Cape Town, eastwards as far as the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Cultivated in South African gardens, it is a very useful ornamental plant for growing in deep shade. It will climb up any sticks, pillars or trellises that are available, but if there is nothing for it to climb up, it will simply form a thick, feathery groundcover. It grows lots of tiny white drooping flowers that are followed by little orange fruits. These attract birds which help to disperse them. It is best propagated from seed.