Asparagus rubicundus ("red-stemmed asparagus") is a fluffy, thorny shrub of the Asparagus genus, that is endemic to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.^[1][2][3]

This species of Asparagus grows as a thorny bush, to a height of 1,5 metres.

Stems are erect, round, smooth, shiny and have a distinctive dark-brown colour.

At each node along a stem, below the branch, there is a single, recurved-spreading (max.6mm) thorn.

The numerous, thread-like leaves are in feathery tufts of about 10. Individual leaves are small (3-7mm), linear-cylindrical, slightly curved, and slightly broader towards their tips.

The flowers (March–June) are white, usually solitary, and have brown stamens. The berries are reddish or black, each with a single seed.^[4]

The young shoots of this plant are edible, like those of commercial asparagus.^[5]

This species is part of a group of closely related African Asparagus species, including Asparagus lignosus, Asparagus concinnus and Asparagus microraphis.^[6]

It occurs throughout the southern and western Cape, as far north as Namibia, and as far east as Uitenhage. It is usually found in coarse sandy, clay or granite-based soil in fynbos or renosterveld vegetation and coastal sand plains.

• Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.