2.
Asparagus asparagoides
(Linnaeus) W. Wight in W. D. Whitney and B. E. Smith, Cent. Dict. Cyclop. ed. 2, 12: 845. sub Myrsiphyllum. 1909.
Smilax asparagus
Medeola asparagoides Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 339. 1753
Vines, erect to deflexed, branching, climbing to 1.5 m; roots tuberous. Stems slender, to 3 m, wiry, smooth to slightly ridged; cladophylls solitary at each node, broadly lanceolate to ovate, 15—35 × 5—15(—20) mm, leathery, with 20—24 parallel veins. Leaves membranous, 1—2 mm; blade broadly lanceolate. Inflorescences in axillary umbels, 1—3(—4)-flowered. Flowers bisexual; perianth campanulate; tepals white, with green median stripe abaxially, 5—7 × 1—1.5 mm; pedicel 5—8 mm, with hard, raised joint 1—3 mm above base. Berries red, 6—8 mm. Seeds 1—4(—6). 2n = 20.
Flowering spring--summer. Waste places, open forests, roadsides; 0--100 m; introduced; Calif.; s Africa.
Asparagus asparagoides is cultivated as an ornamental and has naturalized locally in southern Europe.
