The Spiked Star of Bethlehem

THE SPIKED STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Not many may recognise the plant in the photo which is popping up around the Upper Orchid Field. On the logo of the Wildlife Group in a design by Heather Pollington, it is Spiked Star of Bethlehem which was first recorded growing along Caerau Lane in the 1980s. This is possibly the only site in Wales where it is established in the wild. It grows through the hedgerow, but it is a mystery how it got there, one possibility being that it was grown along the edge of the adjacent field and seeded itself into the hedgerow. Also known as Bath Asparagus, it grew around the city and was sold in local markets as a substitute for Asparagus. The Wildlife Group have attempted to plant it in new sites around Wenvoe, so it becomes even more widely established but the bulbs cost £5 each so it is not cheap. However, if you see a plant in seed why not try growing some and plant it either in your garden or semi-shaded locations in woodland