Asparagus setaceus
Asparagus setaceus, with the common names of common asparagus fern, asparagus grass, lace fern, climbing asparagus, or ferny asparagus, is a plant in the family Asparagaceae native to southern Africa. Despite its common name, the plant is not a true fern, but has leaves that resemble one.
Naming
Originally described by the German botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth, its Latin specific epithet setaceus means "hairy".Description
Asparagus setaceus is a scrambling evergreen perennial with tough green stems and leaves, which may reach several metres in length. The leaves are actually leaf-like cladodes up to 7 mm long by 0.1 mm in diameter, which arise in clumps of up to 15 from the stem, making a fine, soft green fern-like foliage. Sharp barbed thorns occur on the stem. Occurring from spring to autumn, the small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers are 0.4 cm long, and are followed by small green berries, which blacken with maturity. They are reportedly toxic upon consumption. If eaten, they can lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.Distribution
Asparagus setaceus is native to Southern Africa, extending south west as far as Calitzdorp in the Karoo.It is grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant and has become an invasive species in several locations where it has been introduced.
Cultivation
Asparagus setaceus is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for planting in garden and containers, and as a house plant. The attractive foliage is also used in floral arrangements. It is hardy to, but does not tolerate being frozen. Therefore in temperate zones it is normally cultivated indoors in bright, indirect light.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.