pg . 62
NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
ASPARAGUS FERN
Protoasparagus spp .
ASPARAGUS FERN
VINES
DESCRIPTION
This is a dense , highly branched scrambler which grows up to 2 metres high . There are about 100 species of asparagus ferns worldwide . Four species have naturalised in Australia . Three are invasive weeds ; basket or asparagus fern , climbing asparagus fern and feathered asparagus fern .
Stems are long , thorny and often intertwined . Leaves are small , thin , pointed and up to 2.5 centimetres long .
Flowers are 3 to 5 millimetres long , pinkish-white and bell-shaped , occurring mostly in spring and summer , although they can still be present in early winter .
Fruit is a berry which is green when immature and red when mature . It may be present all year round .
Habitat it grows well on dunes , headlands and gullies , often becoming the dominant ground cover .
Weed characteristics is highly adaptable and aggressive , competing with and displacing native species .
Dispersal is achieved through birds eating the berries .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Spraying with a broadleaf selective herbicide is the best control method . Due to the underground tubers ongoing monitoring for regrowth is essential . Early control of infestations is important as once established very difficult to control .