Asparagus aethiopicus L.
Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) is a long-lived, evergreen scrambling herb that is native to southern Africa. It was introduced to New Zealand as a garden ornamental and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1958. The plant has arching, spiny stems with flattened, needle-like cladodes arranged in clusters. It flowers from October to December, producing small, white to pale pink, fragrant flowers, which develop into bright red berries. It tolerates drought, shade and a range of soil types. It reproduces by seed and vegetatively from tuberous roots that resprout after damage. Seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals that eat the berries. Tuberous roots are spread by soil movement, dumped garden waste and other human activities.
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