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Asparagopsis setacea Kunth, Enum. Pl. 5: 82. 1850; Asparagus plumosus Baker.

Herbs hermaphroditic. Stems climbing, much branched, to several meters, slightly woody near base; branches spreading horizontally, with branchlets and cladodes arranged in 1 plane, frondlike. Cladodes in fascicles of 10--13, 4--5 mm, very slender, slightly trigonous. Leaf spur short, occasionally spinescent on main stems. Inflorescences developing after cladodes. Flowers solitary or in clusters of 2 or 3; pedicel short, articulate at middle. Perianth white; segments widely spreading, lanceolate-oblong, ca. 7 mm. Berry purplish black, 6--7 mm in diam., 1--3-seeded. Fl. Jun. 2 n = 20*.

Commonly cultivated and occasionally becoming naturalized [native to S Africa].

The foliage is much used by florists.