Sicklethorn
Asparagus falcatus
family
Asparagaceae
origin
Exotic
declaration
NIL
For information only
Common names
Sicklethorn, Sickle-leaved asparagus, Sickle-thorn asparagus.
A robust climber or shrubby plant with some climbing stems. Its woody older stems are light grey with thorns (5-10 mm long) that are angled downwards. Its 'leaves' (2.5-8 cm long and 2-5 mm wide) are produced in clusters of 3-6 and are either straight or slightly curved. Its small white flowers are arranged in slightly elongated clusters (1.5-3 cm long) in the upper 'leaf' forks. Its rounded fruit (7-10 mm across) are bright red and contain 1-3 seeds.
Impact
Impact
Sicklethorn (Asparagus falcatus) is an emerging environmental weed in south-eastern Queensland. It is occasionally cultivated as a garden ornamental, and like other asparagus ferns (Asparagus spp.) it is spread into nearby bushland areas by birds and other animals that eat its fruit. This species prefers moist semi-shaded situations, and in recent years it has become more and more common in vegetation along waterways (i.e. in riparian areas) in and around Brisbane.
Location
Location
Characteristics
Characteristics
Similar Species
Similar Species
Sicklethorn (Asparagus falcatus) is an emerging environmental weed in south-eastern Queensland. It is occasionally cultivated as a garden ornamental, and like other asparagus ferns (Asparagus spp.) it is spread into nearby bushland areas by birds and other animals that eat its fruit. This species prefers moist semi-shaded situations, and in recent years it has become more and more common in vegetation along waterways (i.e. in riparian areas) in and around Brisbane.
