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. The genus name is derived from ‘asparagos’, the Greek name for the cultivated asparagus.

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 setaceus is a vine plant in the genus Asparagus that belong to Asparagaceae family. It is native to Southern Africa. The name is derived from the Latin “saeta”: hair hence hairy. The plant is also called Asparagus plumosus (plumosus Latin “plumed”, referring to the foliage).

Asparagus Fern is an evergreen, perennial erect or climbing herb up to 2 meters. Stems unarmed except for a few basal spines. The true leaves of this plant are tiny dry scales. The structures which appear to be leaves are flattened modified stems called cladodes on which the flowers and fruits are borne.

A very distinct and recognisable form has less dense cladode and the branches, and cladodes typically flattened into one plane. It has formerly been recognized as a separate species; Asparagus plumosus. Small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers occur from spring to autumn, are followed by small green berries, which blacken with maturity.

Asparagus setaceus prefer rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.  They like bright indirect light, without full sun. They produce large, tuberous roots that can become pot bound quickly.  They are drought tolerant, but cannot take frost more than -6°C. They are prone to mealy bugs, spider mites, and scale. If pruning is necessary, stems should be cut all the way back to the root rather than just shortening them. Yellowing and falling leaves usually indicates conditions that are too hot and too dry. Overwatering the plant or allowing it to stand with the roots in water may cause root rot.

Asparagus setaceus ‘nanus’ is a dwarf and Asparagus setaceus ‘pyramidalis’ is a

upright form. The fruit of this plant are toxic and should not be eaten.

Use in Landscape: Asparagus Fern is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for planting in garden and containers, and as a house plant. It is very hardy and adapts readily to cultivation. At mild winter climate, can be grown along fences or as a wall screen. Good for hanging baskets. Good houseplant for bright, sun-filtered areas. Asparagus setaceus looks lovely in porch pots and hanging baskets during the spring and summer months and makes a stunning indoor plant.

The attractive foliage is also used in floral arrangements.