Asparagus lignosus after fire

The photo shows an Asparagus lignosus bush resprouted and grown large soon after a fire. The species is known to flower soon after fire. Thick, fleshy or swollen roots characterise many South African Asparagus species. They also have rhizomes underground, allowing for such quick starts.

The plant in picture is doing much to green its bare, burnt neighbourhood. It already displays green, spherical fruits. Some of them are turning yellow, likely to be eaten, the birds and rodents hungry after the fire destroyed their larder. Seed dispersal duly ensues. Nature has its ways (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Manning, 2007; iNaturalist; https://www.fernkloof.org.za).