Francoaceae - Botanical Family

Melianthus comosus is an attractive multi-stemmed shrub. The large, grey-green, serrated leaves are clustered towards the tips of the branches. The small, nectar rich bird pollinated flowers are borne in a short cluster, followed by a four-winged bladdery capsules which are often as decorative as the

flowers.

Melianthus comes from the Greek word Meli = honey and anthos = flower meaning that it has abundant nectar. The brightly colored red flowered petals produce an abundance of nectar that attracts Sunbirds, bees and butterflies.

It prefers light, well-drained, good garden soil.

Melianthus is a genus of flowering plants native to elevated grassland in South Africa.