African asparagus fern
(Asparagus asparagoides)
Overview
- Appearance
- Asparagus asparagoides is a herbaceous climbing plant that is native to southern Africa. It has a vine that can reach up to 10 ft. (3 m) in length.
- Foliage
- It has shiny green leaf-like structures which are flattened stems rather than true leaves. They measure up to 1.6 in. (4 cm) long by 0.8 in. (2 cm) wide.
- Flowers
- The pendent white flowers appear over winter and spring, from July to September. They can grow up to 0.8-2.4 in. (2-6 cm) long.
- Fruit
- The seeds are about 0.4 in. (1 cm) long and are spread by birds.
- Ecological Threat
- Asparagus asparagoides smothers native vegetation with thick foliage and dense mats of roots. It can be found on cliffs, roadsides and ditches.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State List - This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law. For more information, visit Invasive.org
Taxonomic Rank
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Liliopsida |
| Order: Asparagales |
| Family: Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: Asparagoideae |
| Genus: Asparagus |
| Subject: Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce |