a genus of perennial plants belonging to the natural order liliaceae, and having erect much branched stems, and very slender branchlets which are sometimes mistaken for leaves. asparagus racemosus is a shrubby climbing plant with fragrant flowers. specifically: the asparagus officinalis, a species cultivated in gardens.-the young and tender shoots of a. officinalis, which form a valuable and well-known article of food.