Asparagus setaceus
| Common Asparagus Fern[1] | |
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| File:Asparagus setaceus Leaves 2760px.jpg | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asparagoideae |
| Genus: | Asparagus |
| Species: |
A. setaceus
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| Binomial name | |
| Asparagus setaceus |
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| Synonyms | |
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List
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Asparagus setaceus, commonly known as Common Asparagus Fern, Lace Fern, Climbing Asparagus, or Ferny Asparagus, is a climbing plant in the genus Asparagus.[2] Despite its common name, the plant is not a true fern, but has leaves that resemble one.[3]
It is native to Southern Africa, and is grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant. It has become an invasive species in several locations where it has been introduced.[4] Originally described by the German botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth, its specific name is derived from the Latin saeta "hair" or "bristle", hence "hairy".[5] Some authorities use the name A. plumosus (plumosus Latin "plumed", referring to the foliage) as described by Baker in 1875 for this plant, or Protasparagus plumosus (Baker) Oberm.[6]
Description
Asparagus setaceus is a scrambling perennial herb with tough green stems, which may reach several metres in length. The leaves are actually leaf-like cladodes up to 7 mm long by 0.1 mm in diameter, which arise in clumps of up to 15 from the stem, making a fine, soft green fern-like foliage. Occurring from spring to autumn, the small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers are 0.4 cm long, and are followed by small green berries, which blacken with maturity.[7]
Cultivation
Asparagus setaceus is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for planting in garden and containers, and as a house plant. The attractive foliage is also used in floral arrangements. It is very hardy and adapts readily to cultivation.
This hardiness has helped it become a weed in Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.[6] Other areas that regard it as an invasive species and noxious weed include the North Coast of New South Wales,[8] and Queensland, Australia.[9]
The fruit (berries) of this plant are toxic and should not be eaten.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Asparagus setaceus. |
References
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- ↑ Climbing Asparagus
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