Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Notes

Scientific Name

Asparagus virgatus Baker

Synonyms

Protasparagus virgatus (Baker) Oberm.

Family

Asparagaceae (Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia)
Liliaceae (Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory)

Common Names

asparagus fern, broom fern, tree fern

Origin

Native to eastern and southern Africa (i.e. Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland) and the Arabian Peninsula (i.e. Yemen).

Naturalised Distribution

Naturalised in some parts of eastern Australia (i.e. relatively widespread in south-eastern Queensland and less common in the coastal districts of central New South Wales).

Notes

This species is regarded as a minor environmental weed in eastern Queensland and as a "sleeper weed" or potential weed in other parts of Australia (e.g. in north-eastern New South Wales). It was introduced as a garden ornamental and is still quite common in old gardens. Its potential distribution in Australia is thought to be restricted to the coastal and sub-coastal districts of New South Wales and Queensland, from Townsville in the north to Sydney in the south. It spreads via creeping underground stems to form large and dense patches that replace native vegetation. It is mainly found in riparian areas and near forest margins, or in disturbed sites and waste areas near habitation.