The genus Maerua comprises about 60 species found in Africa and Asia. Maerua is a genus of plant in family Capparaceae. The origin of the name Maerua is uncertain, but it may come from Arabic.

Maerua rosmarinoides commonly known as Naaldblaar-witbos or Slangeierbos in Afrikaans and Needle-leaved Bush-cherry or Needle-leaved Spider Bush in English is a South African indigenous tree found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. It grows into a shrub or small tree of 5 meters tall. It has tri-foliate linear leaves with bristle-tipped apexes. During spring it bears fluffy white flowers. These are followed by short drooping beans which contain the seeds. This plant will attract butterflies to the garden.