The genus Athanasia is endemic to southern Africa. There are 39 species, the majority of which are found in the fynbos, but a few can be found in the Karoo with one extending into Namibia, and one species in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. This genus is a member of the large daisy family, Asteraceae, which is very well represented in the Cape Floral Kingdom, with more than a thousand species. The leaves and stems of most athanasias are rich in bitter resins, which have been widely used medicinally by traditional healers and herbalists for various ailments. Athanasias are not readily grazed by livestock or game because they have a bitter taste. Sheep and goats may show symptoms of photo-sensitivity (‘dikkopsiekte’) when they eat the plant during droughts.

Athanasia crithmifolia is a fast-growing herbaceous shrub with grey-green foliage and showy bright yellow flower-heads in early to midsummer. Its easy to grow and water wise! The Athanasia crithmifolia flower-heads are very popular with honeybees and a variety of other flying insects, including monkey beetles, and various wasps and beetles, any or all of which could effect pollination. Athanasia crithmifolia is not used in traditional medicine, nor is it widely grown as a garden ornamental, but it is a good bee plant and useful for waterwise or wild areas in gardens, as it largely looks after itself. It is also a useful pioneer species.