Asparagus scandens Thunb.
Climbing asparagus (Asparagus scandens) is a long-lived, evergreen climbing herb that is native to South Africa. It was introduced to New Zealand as a garden ornamental and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1970. The plant climbs by scrambling over other vegetation and has flattened, leaf-like cladodes arranged in groups of three. It flowers from November to January, producing small, white, fragrant flowers, which develop into orange-red berries. It tolerates 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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