The Asparagus genus, of the family Asparagaceae with up to 300 species native from Siberia to southern Africa, is best known for the garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), cultivated as a vegetable for its succulent spring stalks. Several African species are grown as ornamental plants.

Asparagus setaceus or as it is commonly called, “Ibutha”, grows to 2m. It is an erect/scrambling perennial with soft shiny leaves & solitary white flowers at the tips of the branches from summer to autumn. This plant has decorative black berries. It is used as a love charm by the people of the Zulu culture. It is shade loving and is well suited to pot culture.