About Geitonoplesium cymosum (R.Br.) A.Cunn. ex R.Br.
Geitonoplesium is a genus in the plant family Asphodelaceae that holds only one species: Geitonoplesium cymosum, which is commonly called the scrambling lily. This species is a perennial evergreen scrambling vine. It grows in rainforests, sclerophyll forests, and woodlands located in eastern Australia, as well as in parts of Malesia and Melanesia. Its leaves are highly variable, but most often take a narrow-lanceolate to linear shape. They measure 2–10 cm (0.8–3.9 in) long and 3–25 mm (0.1–1.0 in) wide. Both leaf surfaces are glossy, and the midvein is prominent and raised on the upper leaf surface. Flowers of this species range in color from mauve to white. Its fruits are globular berries 5–11 mm (0.2–0.4 in) in diameter, each containing one or two roughly globular black seeds. Due to the wide variation seen in leaf shape, many infraspecific taxa were established for this species over time. None of these additional infraspecific taxa are currently recognized by leading modern botanical authorities. The young shoots of Geitonoplesium cymosum are edible after boiling, and their flavor and texture are comparable to asparagus.
