Asparagus setaceus
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Asparagus setaceus, with the common names of common asparagus fern, asparagus grass,[2] lace fern, climbing asparagus, or ferny asparagus, is a plant in the family Asparagaceae native to southern Africa.[3] Despite its common name, the plant is not a true fern, but has leaves that resemble one.[4]
| Asparagus setaceus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Asparagoideae |
| Genus: | Asparagus |
| Species: | A. setaceus |
| Binomial name | |
| Asparagus setaceus | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Naming
Originally described by the German botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth, its Latin specific epithet setaceus means "hairy".[5]
Description
Asparagus setaceus is a scrambling evergreen perennial with tough green stems and leaves, 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. Sharp barbed thorns occur on the stem. 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.[6] They are reportedly toxic upon consumption. If eaten, they can lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.[7]
Distribution
Asparagus setaceus is native to Southern Africa, extending south west as far as Calitzdorp in the Karoo.[citation needed]
It is grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant and has become an invasive species in several locations where it has been introduced.[8]
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 hardy to 1 °C (34 °F), but does not tolerate being frozen. Therefore in temperate zones it is normally cultivated indoors in bright, indirect light.[9]
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[9]
Invasive species
In Australia it is considered an invasive species and its hardiness has helped it become a weed in Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.[10] Other areas that regard it as an invasive species and noxious weed include the North Coast of New South Wales,[11] and Queensland.[12]
