Espargo (Asparagus squarrosus)

Shrublet scrambling, rarely climbing, and highly branched. Cladodes (false leaves), 4.5-20 mm long, dark green, grouped in fascicles. Flowers are greenish-yellow and bell-shaped; fruits are globose, up to 6 mm in diameter, and reddish when ripe. This species is native to Cape Verde and mainly distributed over the northernmost islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boavista and Maio, although it is also present on the islet of Raso. Typical of xeric and semi-arid habitats, it grows on stony ground, generally from sea level up to 200 m, although it can ascend to greater altitudes where it is wetter. Large and relatively well-preserved populations are present on several islands. Like other wild asparagus growing in different geographical zones, it is used in traditional medicine in Cape Verde.