Asparagaceae (Asparagus family) comprises about 153 genera and some 2,500 species of flowering plants. Distributed nearly worldwide, about 770 species are native to Southern Africa. The family is extremely heterogeneous, and its members are united primarily by genetic and evolutionary relationships rather than morphological similarities.

After splitting up the old Lily family into smaller families of more closely related plants, taxonomists defined the Asparagus, Agave, Beargrass, and Brodiaea families. Later this four families are considering together as subfamilies within a conglomerate; Asparagus family. Members of Asparagaceae have 3 sepals and 3 petals that are similar in size and colour, plus 6 stamens and a 3-parted pistil.

ASPARAGUS DENSIFLORUS MAZEPPA belongs to Asparagaceae (Asparagus family). The genus name is derived from ‘asparagos’, the Greek name for the cultivated asparagus. The species name ‘densiflorus’ is in reference to the dense flowers or to the dense foliage of the plant. Cultivar name of ‘Mazeppa’ comes from a narrative poem written by the English romantic poet Lord Byron in 1819. It is based on a popular legend about the early life of Ivan Mazepa, a Ukrainian gentleman who later became Hetman of the Ukrainian Cossacks.Asparagus densiflorus ‘Mazeppa’ is commonly known as Mazeppa Emerald Fern, Emerald Fern or Basket Asparagus. It is native to tropical and subtropical parts of eastern and southern Africa, where it grows as an evergreen perennial shrub in coastal areas as well as woodlands.

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Mazeppa’ is a low-growing decorative foliage plant; normally does not reach more than 30 cm high. It has arching woody stems with fine fern-like leaves. It is a hardy, drought resistant, evergreen perennial. Its bright, emerald green, short, needle-like leaves are packed tightly along short stems. Small, white, fragrant, star-like flowers are borne from end of spring to autumn and are followed by attractive, bright red berries. Mazeppa Emerald Fern grows well in semi-shade or sun and makes a good container plant. It is beautiful as a dense border in shady areas. Plant’s root system has thick tuberous roots with swollen storage, which enhance their ability to be water wise.  Plants may die to the ground in light freezes, but roots remain hardy up to -8°C. Propagation is done by seed or division. If plant loses its attractive shape, stems should be cut back close to the soil level to regenerate.

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Mazeppa’ adapts well to a wide variety of situations in warm, temperate or tropical climates. It makes a perfect, low maintenance and drought tolerant ground cover for full sun or shade. It also makes an excellent house plant. It’s an ideal plant for container or hanging baskets. It attracts birds.

Use in Landscape: Asparagus species are popular ornamental plants for gardens and landscaping with their finely textured foliage and structural use for being hardy and water wise. Mazeppa Emerald Fern is an excellent groundcover, especially in full sun. It could be used as a small, low-growing, unclipped hedge or border. Asparagus densiflorus ‘Mazeppa’ forms a very compact, dark green mat and looks very attractive in containers as well as on sloping garden walls. Container plants make excellent houseplants for bright, sun-filtered areas for several years.