Asparagus scandens Thunb., Asparagaceae

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Present on Pacific Islands?  no

Primarily a threat at high elevations?  no

Other Latin names:  Myrsiphyllum scandens (Thunb.) Oberm.

Habit:  vine

Description:  "Perennial herbaceous, scandent, up to 2 m tall, probably evergreen.  Rhizome small, covered by fusiform roots 20-40 mm long, tapering towards root-tips.  Stems twining, wiry.  Phylloclades arranged close together on one plane on both sides of branchlets, the whole resembling the frond of a fern, ternate on alternating sides, one cladode somewhat longer than other 2, shallowly S-shaped, apiculate, 1-nerved, c. 8-17 x 1 mm.  Scale-leaves minute, forming fringed white membranous tufts at nodes.  Flowers pendulous, 1-3 at node, on pedicels up to c. 10 mm long, articulated below attenuated pericladium.  Tepals spreading, c. 4 mm long, white.  Stamens attenuated towards apex; anthers green or yellow.  Ovary globose with 3-4 ovules in each locule; style erect short, with 3 spreading stigmas.  Berry globose, c. 8 mm in diameter, orange or red, 1-2 seeded" (Obermeyer, 1984; p. 86).

Habitat/ecology:  "A shade-loving plant, frequent in wooded areas, needing moisture all the year round, apparently evergreen" (Obermeyer, 1984; p. 86).  In New Zealand, "disturbed and intact lowland and coastal forest, shrublands, mature broadleaf and/or podocarp forests, epiphyte niches, and forest edges. Forms dense patches on ground or sub-canopy in most forest types, Tolerates moderate to heavy shade, most soil types, moderate to high rainfall, and hot to cold temperatures. Smothers forest floor and understorey to 4 m, preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings and growth of established species. Raises light levels, causing the invasion of further weeds. Can ringbark and kill soft-barked shrubs and trees, and invades areas where epiphytes are usually found, replacing already vulnerable species"  (Weedbusters New Zealand).

Propagation:  Seed.  "Birds spread the seeds and tubers resprout after being spread in dumped vegetation and soil. Common sources include waste areas, hedgerows, exotic forests, and roadsides"  (Weedbusters New Zealand).

Native range:  Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (Obermeyer, 1984; p. 86).

Presence:

Pacific
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
French Polynesia Society Islands	Tahiti Island	introduced cultivated	Florence, J./Chevillotte, H./Ollier, C./Meyer, J.-Y. (2013) var. deflexus J.G. Baker Cultivée
Niue Niue	Niue Island	introduced cultivated	Sykes, W. R. (1970) (p. 254) Seen only once in cultivation.

Pacific Rim
Country/Terr./St. & Island group	Location	Cited status & Cited as invasive & Cited as cultivated & Cited as aboriginal introduction?	Reference & Comments
Australia Australia (continental)	New South Wales	introduced invasive cultivated	George, A. S., ed. (1987) (p. 165) Also naturalized on Phillip Island, Victoria. Vouchers cited: K. Mills 10 (NSW), A.C. Beauglehole ACB 72893 (MEL) Naturalized.
New Zealand New Zealand	New Zealand (country)	introduced invasive	Healy, A. J./Edgar, E. (1980) (p. 52) Voucher cited: A. J. Healy (CHR 152288)
New Zealand New Zealand	New Zealand (country)	introduced invasive	Newfield, M. (year unknown)

Comments:  Reported as an invasive plant in northern New Zealand (per Melanie Newfield, pers. com.).

Control:  "Tubers usually resprout after spraying, stems break at ground level so plants cannot be pulled. Tuber fragments survive digging.  Follow up at least 6-monthly. Seed longevity probably short. Replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical:  "Dig out tubers. Dispose of at a refuse transfer station, burn or bury. Other plant material can be left on site to rot down.

Chemical:  1. Weed wipe: glyphosate (333ml /L), no penetrant. Total coverage not required.
2. Spray (spring-early summer only): glyphosate (20ml/L). Do not add penetrant when spraying against tree trunks. Spray lightly, avoiding runoff, total coverage not required.
3. Spray (autumn and winter in frost free areas and on healthy growth): glyphosate (10ml/L).  Infestations of plants taller than 60cm should be cut at a height of 30-60cm then this lower vegetation can be carefully sprayed. The remaining cut material will die without the need for treatment. Spot spray any missed plants within 30-60 days."  (Weedbusters New Zealand).