Honey Flower

Melianthus minor

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Basic Information

Family: Melianthaceae

Genus: melianthus

Plant ID (slug): melianthus-minor

Numeric ID: 4801

USDA Hardiness: 7-10

Ratings

Edible Rating: ★★★☆☆

Medicinal Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Other Uses Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Physical Characteristics

Melianthus minor is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) 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; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar Edible Uses: Sweetener The flowers are very rich in nectar, this is collected and eaten[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The root is poisonous.

Detailed Information

Additional Information

Title: Melianthus minor Honey Flower PFAF Plant Database

Meta Description: Melianthus minor is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in) 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.