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 MYERS 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 ‘Myers’ comes from plant explorer Frank Nicholas Meyer of the Meyer lemon fame. Myers Asparagus, commonly called Foxtail Asparagus or Cat’s Tail Asparagus. The plant is also called; Asparagus meyerii or Asparagus meyers. It is native to south-eastern South Africa. This plant has been widely introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental.

Foxtail Fern is a neat, upright plant, with a height up to 80 cm, can reaches a width of 40-70 cm. It is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial with a rhizomatous root system. The leaves are not true leaves but are actually leaf-like cladodes (modified flattened stems). Cladodes raise segments of stem that have the form and function of leaves. The true leaves are reduced to scales. These linear, flattened structures occur in groups of 3 or more at a node and give the plants its compact shape and form. The almost equally long stems emerge at a central point directly from the ground, remaining close together.

Tiny, white, star-shaped and sweetly fragrant flowers appear in late spring and early summer. Flowers have a light pink tinge, and yellow-orange anthers. Flowers are followed by small berries which ripen by autumn. Berries, 10 mm in diameter are green at first, slowly ripening to bright orange-red, each containing a single, rounded, hard, black seed.

Asparagus densiflorus Myers perform best in organically rich, consistently moist but well drained soils in part shade. Direct hot afternoon sun should be avoided which may cause the leaves to yellow. Tolerates full shade, but foliage may turn a lighter green. It tolerates salty condition and drought. 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. If plant loses its attractive shape, stems should be cut back close to the soil level to regenerate. Propagation is done by seed or division.

Foxtail Fern can be a sensitive plant indoors and will quickly shed its leaves if over watered or placed in insufficient light. Indoor plants can seasonally be moved outdoors. Before being moved to a full sun position, plant should be allowed to slowly become accustomed to the stronger light outside.

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. Asparagus densiflorus Myers may be used as a specimen, border, ground cover, bedding plant, or container plant. It could be used as a small, low-growing, unclipped hedge or border. It will make a nice accent plant in residential landscape or rock garden. Plant looks well, when used under trees or near ponds. When using mix borders, should be combined with other shade loving plants. Plant can be used in pots, containers and hanging baskets. Container plants make excellent houseplants for bright, sun-filtered areas for several years. Green stems are used for flower arrangements by florists.