Family MELIANTHACEAE
Genus Melianthus
Species comosus
SA Plant Number
Basionym Melianthus comosus

Melianthus comosus is a very hardy, evergreen, drought resistant fast growing shrub with attractive divided, strongly aromatic leaves.

The sprays of scarlet flowers are sweet smelling and have abundant nectar which attracts insects, bees, butterflies, Sunbirds and Cape White eyes.

It is a really beautiful sight when in flower from October to December.

It also has attractive papery pods. Can tolerate very hot, dry and frosty conditions and is ideal for a low maintenance garden. Prune back hard after seeding to keep in shape and to ensure mass flowering the next season.

Used medicinally.

Size: 1.5 x 1m

Wildlife garden plant: The flowers attracts insects, bees, butterflies, Sunbirds and Cape White-eyes to the garden.

North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Natural Habitat Drier areas along seasonal riverbeds  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Medium, Plant Type: Shrub - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Damp areas, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Resistant, Flower colour: Red shades, Garden type: River-side and Stream-side Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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