Honey Flower

Melianthus major

Basic Information

Family: Melianthaceae

Genus: melianthus

Plant ID (slug): melianthus-major

Numeric ID: 24217

USDA Hardiness: 7-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Melianthus major is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. Africa and India.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar Edible Uses: Sweetener The honey-like nectar from the flowers is eaten[2, 105, 177, 183]. Deliciously sweet, a tiny bit seems to go a long way - which is very useful since the plant does not produce that much in the British climate[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Emetic Vulnerary Vulnerary[46, 61]. The root is poisonous and emetic, but is used as a remedy against snake bites[240].