Climbing Asparagus Fern

Description:

This species and I do not get along! It's a variety of Asparagus and is an African native, but where in Africa depends on the actual species. It is a branching perennial herb with tough green aerial stems which are sparsely covered with spines. The leaves are actually leaf-like cladodes, and arise in groups of four or more from the stem. Occurring in spring, the small white or pinkish-white flowers arise in clusters off the stem. Flowers are followed in summer by small round berries which bear a black seed. Initially green, the berries mature and turn red in the winter. The root system is a mat of fibrous roots with bulbous tubers, from which plants may resprout. (Wiki) Seeds are spread by fruit-eating birds and improper disposal of garden refuse. It gets up into the tree tops and can be difficult, sometimes painful, to remove. The central stem can be up to 10 metres or more in length. I know this from personal experience, having quite literally dragging it out of the tree tops. This spotting is of a medium size plant.

Habitat:

Primarily a weed of sub-tropical regions, this species invades forests, rainforest margins, open woodlands (particularly those near habitation), urban bushland, and in the vegetation along waterways (i.e. in riparian areas). It is also common in disturbed sites and waste areas, along roadsides, and in parks and gardens. (BCC) This spotting was in a suburban backyard in Brisbane QLD.

Notes:

https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets...