Asparagus scandens Thunb.
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.
N. North Auckland - Whangarei, Woodhill State Forest; Auckland City; Wellington - Wanganui. In bush remnants and regenerating forest; also in grassy places, on rock walls and in hedges.
(S. Africa)
First record: ‡
First collection: "Wanganui East, in and about bush remnants, A. J. Healy 59/591, 4.12.1959, thoroughly established" ().
FL. 9-12.
