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

Melianthus major is a hardy, evergreen, decorative shrub with large, neatly serrated, blue-green, compound leaves that are strongly aromatic when touched. From July to October the maroon flower spikes are carried above the foliage, and their dripping nectar attracts Sunbirds and insects to the garden. The black seeds are carried in decorative, pale-green translucent bladders.

Used medicinally. Needs to be pruned back hard after flowering. The plant will then send up beautiful new shoots and look neat and tidy. Prefers a damp situation and makes a good accent plant in sun or semi-shade particularly near water. Plant in well-composted soil and ensure adequate watering for best results.

Size: up to 2,5m

Nectar rich flowers: The copious amounts of nectar in the flowers literaly drips out and attracts Sunbirds and insects to the garden.

Landscaping: A good accent plant, particularly for moist parts of the garden.

Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine.

South West Cape

Natural Habitat Along rivers and streams near the coast, rocky grassland  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Shrub - Medium, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Garden Uses: Damp areas, Garden Uses: Specimen, Garden Uses: Winter flowering, Hardiness - Drought: Needs Watering, Flower colour: Red shades, Garden type: Grassland Garden, Garden type: River-side and Stream-side Gardens, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

View On Google Images
Search On IPNI