Asparagus declinatus
L. Bridal VeilClimbing herb to c. 1 m high, with a branching rhizome producing clusters of tubers. Cladodes finely acicular, apiculate, 3 per bract axil, ± equal, 3–9 mm long, c. 0.5 mm wide. Flowers bisexual, solitary in axil, 5–8 mm wide, greenish white, segments apically reflexed, overlapping basally to form a short tube; stamens shorter than the perianth; ovary 1.5 mm long. Berry ovoid, c. 12 mm diam, pale bluish grey. Seeds 3–9, 2.5–3.5 mm long.
Also naturalised WA, SA. Native to South Africa.
Asparagus declinatus is an aggressive weed in South Australia. In Victoria, it has been recorded near Horsham. It is believed that these populations have been eradicated (Lawrie 2006). However, it is possible that plants will disperse back into western Victoria from populations in South Australia that occur near the border.
SpinningSynonyms
Lawrie, S.L. (2006). Summary of a bridal veil (Asparagus declinatus L.) workshop for South Australian regional groups. Plant Protection Quarterly 21(3): 126–127.
