Asparagus rogersii R.E.Fr.

Flora Zambesiaca Asparagaceae by Sebsebe Demissew

Morphology General Habit

Stiff erect plant 30–50(100) cm high, not branching.

Morphology Stem

Older stems grey to white-striated, puberulous; young parts greenish-angled, glabrous to glabrescent.

Morphology General Spines

Spines on main stems below branchets 5–8 mm long, spinules 2–3 mm long, below bracts.

Morphology Stem Cladodes

Cladodes solitary or in fascicles of 2–4, 4–6 × 0.5 mm, 3-angled.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescence solitary, simple raceme or modified branchlets, flowers in cladode axils, 15–95 mm long; inflorescence axis thickened, angled.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers solitary or in pairs; bracts ovate 0.5–1 mm long (± as long as pedicel), acuminate at apex, ± absent at time of flowering; pedicels 0.5–1 mm long, articulated perianth base with a disc.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Tepal

Tepals cream, broadly elliptic, 2–2.5 × 1.5 mm long; ovary ovoid with tuberculate surface, 3-locular with 4–5 ovules in each locule; style c.0.5 mm, 3-lobed.

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Berry 5–6 mm in diameter.

Distribution

Also in Kenya.

Ecology

Savanna woodland, rocky ground and on termitaria; 900–1200 m.

Conservation

Conservation notes: Moderately widespread in the Flora area; not threatened.