[2][4] These look fern-like, giving rise to one of this species' common names (climbing asparagus fern).

[5] It grows in a variety of habitats, ranging from rainforests to grasslands to semi-deserts.

In its climbing state it can quickly come to dominate the canopy, outcompeting other species.

[6] The population is considered to be stable and the species is listed as being of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

[3] It is listed as a category 3 restricted matter under the 2014 Biosecurity Act, meaning that it can not be gifted, sold or released without a permit in an attempt to reduce its spread.

[4] Research has found that they improve the functioning of the immune system in laboratory animals, providing insight as to why this plant is so widely utilised.

They also feed equines the roots and cladodes to treat geregelcha, a disease in which mucus continuously comes out of the nose of the animal.

[12] In South Africa, it is used to treat headaches, STIs, stomach aches, sore throats and malaria, amongst other conditions.

[14][15] Methanolic extracts from the roots have also been found to have pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.