Asparagus Fern

Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern

DESCRIPTION

Perennial shrub with central crown and sprawling or arching stems to 2m long; axillary spines 5-10mm long; fibrous roots, some tuberous. True leaves reduced to scales; 2-5 axillary flattened linear glossy green stems or cladodes 15–25mm long by 2–3mm wide.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Racemes 4–10cm long of tiny white to pinkish flowers; pedicels 5–10mm long, jointed in lower half. Red berry fruit 5–8mm wide contain one or more black seeds.

HABITAT AND RANGE

Disturbed areas in all Australian states and territories except the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Cultivated as an ornamental (e.g. Sprengeri and Meyers) it is a problematic weed in bushland, especially coastal districts. Listed as a Weed of National Significance.