ORIGIN

South Africa

COMMON NAME

Climbing asparagus

BOTANICAL NAME

Asparagus scandens

IDENTIFICATION

Slender, scrambling or climbing plant. Roots tuberous. Stems 2 m long, green, much branched above. Cladodes (flattened leaf-like stem projections), three and occasionally 2, 4 or 5 at each node along main stem distinguish this species.

HABITATS

Locally common. An invading vine of the forest interior, mainly occurring in areas of moderate light intensity. May infest unmodified and fully intact forest. Lowland and coastal forest and shrublands, mature broadleaf/podocarp forests especially those of light to moderate shade, streams, coastal areas, shrublands, epiphytic niches, roadsides, gravel pits/quarries, farm hedges, house gardens, wasteland areas.

IMPACT TO BIOTA AND ECOSYSTEMS

Capacity to smother forest understory to a height of 2.5 - 5 m. Smothers ground cover and can prevent regeneration of canopy species. Ringbarks host trees, killing them. Invades epiphytic niches, replacing vulnerable species. The most problematic of the asparagus species because it is entirely shade tolerant.

DISPERSAL ROUTES, VECTORS, INFESTATION SOURCES

Sources of infestation originally from household plants. Berries spread by birds.

MANAGEMENT

Physical Control
Cut stems above ground and dig out all roots and tubers.

Disposal
Compost or bury in landfill.

Chemical Control
Spray with Glyphosate + Penetrant. Avoid spray contact with other vegetation.

Rate

• Knapsack 200 mls Glyphosate, 20 mls Penetrant/10 litres water.

Biological Control

Recommended Approach
Spray in spring and early summer with Glyphosate.

FURTHER COMMENT

For further information please refer to Environment Bay of Plenty's Fact Sheet PP17-Climbing plants

This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within New Zealand!