Asparagus acutifolius

Μαυραγρελλιά, Κουτσαγρέλλι, Αγρέλλι, Ασπάραγγος ο οξύφυλλος

Etymology of Asparagus acutifolius: The name of the genus derives from the Ancient Greek "ἀσφάραγος" [aspharagos], translated as "asparagus, tender shoot". Its etymology may be from the prefix "α-" [a-] meaning "without" + "σφάραγος" [spharagos], meaning "eruption, explosion", which may refer to the placid jiggling of the sprout off the ground. The Latin epithet, "acutifolius", meaning "thorny leaves", is derived from the Latin "acutus", meaning "pointed, acute" and "folius" meaning "-leaved", and refers to the shape of its leaves.

There are at least two Asparagus species/kinds growing without human intervention in the wild Cypriot habitat. Some other sources add the existence of the species Asparagus aphyllus and the recording of the domestic Asparagus officinalis in the wild.

Asparagus acutifolius is a relatively common plant in Cyprus and its sprout is a traditional delicacy. It is encountered all around the island up to a very high altitude of 1525 metres. In Cyprus, it mainly appears under trees or in bushy areas. Its flowering period is between July and October.