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 quinquedentata is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape Province. It is a densely leafy shrub that reaches 60cm tall. It has obovate leaves and from spring to summer it bears yellow discoid flowers.