Species
Asparagus officinalis
Etymology
Asparagus: An old Greek name for this plant possibly derived from a- (an intensifier) and sparasso 'to tear', referring to the prickles of some species
officinalis: From the Latin officina shortened from opificina which originally meant 'workshop' but later came to mean a monastic storeroom, herb-room or pharmacy. Refers to the plant's real or perceived medicinal value.
Common Name(s)
asparagus
Family
Asparagaceae
Flora Category
Vascular - Exotic
Structural Class
Monocotyledonous Herbs
Flower Colours
Cream,White
Year Naturalised
1870
Origin
Europe, W. Asia, Siberia, N. Africa
Poisonous plant:
Small red berries are mildly poisonous.
This page last updated on 9 Dec 2010