Asparagus scandens

Asparagus scandens
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Asparagaceae
Subfamily:	Asparagoideae
Genus:	Asparagus
Species:	A. scandens
Binomial name
Asparagus scandens Thunb. (1794)

Asparagus scandens (also known as climbing asparagus fern or krulkransie) is a flowering plant native to South Africa in the genus Asparagus. It is not related to ferns.

Description

This fine, delicate looking creeper is actually quite hardy. It prefers shady areas and moisture, but can tolerate some drought. Its soft, feathery foliage is a deep, rich green and unlike other asparagus ferns, this species does not grow thorns.

Distribution and habitat

This tough little creeper is indigenous to the shady afro-montane forests of the Western Cape, South Africa. Here it can be found from the indigenous woods and kloofs of Cape Town, eastwards as far as the Tsitsikamma Mountains.

Cultivated in South African gardens, it is a very useful ornamental plant for growing in deep shade. It will climb up any sticks, pillars or trellises that are available, but if there is nothing for it to climb up, it will simply form a thick, feathery groundcover. It grows many tiny white drooping flowers that are followed by little orange fruits. These attract birds which help to disperse them. It is best propagated from seed.

A. scandens is an invasive species in some countries. In New Zealand it is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord, which means that it cannot be sold or distributed. In Australia it is listed on the Weeds of National Significance, a list of 32 taxa compiled by the federal government.

External links

• Asparagus scandens - at the South African National Biodiversity Institute
• A. scandens - at the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia
• A. scandens - at the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.