3.
Asparagus setaceus
(Kunth) Jessop, Bothalia. 9: 51. 1966.
Climbing asparagus-fern, lace-fern
Asparagopsis setacea Kunth, Abh. Königl. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1842: 82. 1842; Asparagus plumosus Baker
Vines, woody, scrambling or climbing to 5 m; roots fibrous. Stems to 4 m, wiry, smooth, branches planate; cladophylls in fascicles of (5—)8—20 per node, filiform, 4—10 × 0.5 mm, ± rigid, with single vein. Leaves membranous, 1—2 mm; blade forming short spine with reflexed apex, base hardened. Inflorescences terminally umbellate, 1—4-flowered. Flowers bisexual, nodding; perianth spreading, campanulate; tepals white, 3—4 × 1—1.5 mm; pedicel 1—3 mm, jointed at or just above base. Berries purplish black, 4—5 mm. Seeds 1—3. 2n = 20.
Flowering spring--summer. Waste places, abandoned gardens; 0--100 m; introduced; Calif., Fla.; s, e Africa.
