Asparagus aethiopicus stems, old and new

The ribbed stems of Asparagus aethiopicus climb and spread where surrounding shrubbery allow. Hooked spines should be expected among the false leaves from every node, apart from some of the flower stems.

The young leafy stems are green and soft, the older ones thicker, pale grey and woody.

The ripe berries, some shrivelled in the photo, are smaller than the green ones.

The plant is supported underground by a strong root system of matted fibrous roots. Bulbous tubers are produced from which the plants resprout after fire (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; Wikipedia).