Asparagus (genus)
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Asparagus is the name of a genus of plants, a member of the family Asparagaceae (formerly placed in the Liliaceae). There are more than 120 species, all from the Old World, introduced in many countries in both hemispheres and throughout temperate and tropical regions. Many species from Africa are now included in the genera Protasparagus and Myrsiphyllum.
They range from herbs to somewhat woody climbers. They have flattened stems (phylloclades), that serve the function of leaves. Three species (Asparagus officinalis, "Asparagus schoberioides and Asparagus cochinchinensis) are dioecious species, i.e. with male and female flowers on separate plants. The others are hermaphrodites.
The best known member of the genus is the vegetable asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). Other species of asparagus are grown as ornamental plants. Some species such as Asparagus setaceus have branches that resemble 'ferns', hence they are often called "Asparagus fern" (though they are not true ferns). They are often used for foliage display, and as houseplants. Commonly-grown ornamental species are Asparagus plumosus, Asparagus densiflorus, and Asparagus sprengeri. Some other species have become introduced weeds.
- Species include the following;
- Asparagus aethiopicus (= Protasparagus aethiopicus)
- Asparagus africanus (= Protasparagus africanus ?) - African Asparagus
- Asparagus asparagoides ( = Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) - Smilax, African Asparagus Fern, (Austr.) Bridal Creeper
- Asparagus cochinchinensis
- Asparagus declinatus - Foxtail Asparagus Fern, (Austr.) Bridal vein
- Asparagus densiflorus (= Protasparagus densiflorus) - Ground Asparagus, Asparagus Fern, (S. Afr.) Emerald Fern, Basket Asparagus
- *Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' ( = Protasparagus densiflorus 'Sprenger') - Sprenger's Asparagus
- Asparagus falcatus
- Asparagus macowanii (= Protasparagus macowanii)
- Asparagus officinalis - Asparagus
- *Asparagus officinalis officinalis - Garden Asparagus
- *Asparagus officinalis prostratus
- Asparagus plumosus (= Protasparagus plumosus ?) - Asparagus Fern, Florist's Fern, (Austr.) Climbing Asparagus
- *Asparagus Plumosus Nanus is a greenhouse variety, bearing fern-like foliage.
- Asparagus racemosus
- Asparagus scandens
- Asparagus schoberioides
- Asparagus setaceus (= Protasparagus setaceus) - Fern Asparagus, Lace Fern
- Asparagus sprengeri - a greenhouse climber with light and elegant foliage.
- Asparagus umbellatus
- Asparagus virgatus
Pests and diseases
- Asparagus Beetle.
- Spotted Asparagus Beetle (Crioceris asparagi).
- Asparagus Fern Caterpillar, also known as Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua.
- Asparagus Fly Platyparaea poeciloptera, a fruit fly.
- Fusarium root and crown rot, caused by two species of fungi, Fusarium monoliforme and Fusarium oxysporium asparagi.
- Asparagus rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia asparagi.
- Botrytis blight, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea.
- The larvae of some Lepidoptera species have been recorded feeding on Asparagus. These include Coleophora amaranthella, Ghost Moth, The Nutmeg, Small Fan-footed Wave and Turnip Moth.
Weed
Bridal Creeper, Asparagus asparagoides, is a major weed species in southern Australia. It was introduced to Australia from South Africa around 1857, for use as a foliage plant, especially in bridal bouquets (hence the common name). It has escaped into the bush and smothers the native vegetation with the thick foliage and thick underground mat of tubers which restrict root growth of oher species. It is recognised as one of the 20 "weeds of national significance". The seeds are readily spread in the droppings of birds, rabbits and foxes, as well as the plant extending its root system. CSIRO have introduced several biological controls in an attempt to reduce the spread and impact of the weed.References and external links
- Fellingham, A.C. & Meyer, N.L. 1995. New combinations and a complete list of Asparagus species in southern Africa (Asparagaceae). Bothalia 25: 205-209.
- [Photo of Asparagus Beetle]
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