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 laricinus or as it is commonly called, “Katdoring”, is a dense multi-stemmed shrub to 2m with whitish stems & short hard spines. It has very fine leaves & white sweetly scented flowers during summer. The flowers are rich in pollen & nectar. This plant forms lovely decorative red berries.