Ground asparagus, or asparagus fern, is widespread and common in coastal areas of the MidCoast region.
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It is also spreading at a rapid rate into remote and rural areas, mainly around human habitation.
It is an invasive perennial plant with long prickly stems. It has an extensive root system and is a prolific seeder, with green berries - 5-8 mm wide - that mature to a glossy red.
It is mainly spread when birds feed on the fruit and disperse the seed, but can also be spread through the sale of nursery stock to gardeners and the dumping of garden waste containing crowns, fruits and seeds.
The plant forms dense blankets of growth above ground and a profusion of roots and tubers below ground, which suppresses other ground flora and reduces available soil moisture and nutrients.
Like many environmental weeds, it competes with native species for light, space and nutrients.
The best way to control the weed is to locate the 'crown' - the growing point all the stems originate from - and cut it out using a sharp trowel or knife. Throw the crown and any stems with berries in the red-top bin.
The plant is only in limited distribution in the Gloucester area at present, with MidCoast Council designating it as a priority for management in an effort to keep the area free of the weed.
Council is currently spending thousands of dollars annually treating ground asparagus in areas of high ecological value.
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