ORIGIN

COMMON NAME

Asparagus fern

BOTANICAL NAME

Asparagus setaceus

IDENTIFICATION

Slender, scrambling or climbing plant as with climbing asparagus. Note 7-20 cladodes (leaf-like stem projections) growing from each node of the main stem, are very fine and needle-like and distinguish this species.

HABITATS

Locally common. Bush edges, moderate to high light intensity areas. Farm hedges, gardens and roadsides.

IMPACT TO BIOTA AND ECOSYSTEMS

Asparagus fern has less impact than climbing asparagus and smilax.

DISPERSAL ROUTES, VECTORS, INFESTATION SOURCES

Garden waste. Seed dispersed by birds.

MANAGEMENT

Physical Control
Dig out all roots.

Disposal

Chemical Control
Spray with Glyphosate + Penetrant.

Rate - Handgun 1 litre Glyphosate + 200 mls Penetrant/100 litres water. Knapsack 100 mls Glyphosate + 20 mls Penetrant/10 litres water.

Biological Control

Recommended Approach

FURTHER COMMENT