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 virgatus is a plant indigenous to South Africa. It is also known as Tree fern, Tiki fern and African broom fern. Asparagus virgatus is a member of the genus Asparagus, and not a true fern. The plant grows several fine bushy stems with needle like leaves, reaching over one meter in length. This perennial plant produces small white flowers during spring, and small spherical seeds that are black in colour. This plant can be found growing in the shady undergrowth, especially along rivers. Although water loving, this plant is able to survive with little water. Unlike edible Asparagus officinalis, Asparagus virgatus has little or no nutritional value to people. Asparagus virgatus is of commercial value, used worldwide in the cut flower industry as foliage. The plant produces attractive green bushy stems with fine needle like leaves. When combined with rose, gerbera, and other focal flowers it forms an attractive floral display. Vase life is typically two weeks. High quality stems can be identified by the fresh green colour, and stem length.