Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Asparagus scandens Thunb. (1794)
Vernacular Name(s):
Climbing asparagus
 Description

Slender scrambling or climbing perennial; roots tuberous. Stems to 2m long, green, much-branched above; branches widely spreading, angled. Scale-leaves scarious, much divided, basal spine absent. Cladodes in threes, occasionally 2, 4, or 5 at each node, spreading in one plane, 5–15 × 0.8–1.5 mm, one conspicuously longer, flattened, linear-lanceolate, falcate, 1-veined. Flowers 3–4 mm long, solitary, axillary, white, rarely pale pink; pedicel c. 10 mm long. Berry globose, ± 8 mm diam., red. Seed solitary, ± 4 mm diam., globose, black.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Sep.–Dec.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Biosecurity New Zealand 4 Aug 2011: Unwanted Organisms Register. http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/registers/uor
Biosecurity New Zealand 2008: National Plant Pest Accord. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, Wellington.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Ministry for Primary Industries 23 Feb 2017: Unwanted Organisms Register. Version 02.01.02. https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor