Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower)

Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) orange and green close up flower clusters on stone surface
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) cluster with orange tubular petals and pale green rounded seed pods

Botanical name: Melianthus comosus

Common name: Honey Flower

Family: Francoaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Large shrub 5-10 ft tallPlant form: Large bush
Plant mature sizeMature height: 5-10 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
Red, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: Red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

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.

Similar plants: Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower)


Image gallery: 8 images
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) green leaves close up showing deeply serrated edges and texture.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) leaves with deeply serrated edges on a woody stem.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) green leaves with tan seed pods on the plant.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) green leaves paired with numerous tan, papery seed pods.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) with tan fruit clusters and green serrated leaves on a plant.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) branches carry clusters of tan, inflated fruit pods above green serrated foliage.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) orange red flower close up held by a human hand
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) orange red flower held in a hand for scale and examination
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) with orange flowers and green leaves in a close up.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) with orange flowers and textured green leaves in a close up.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) orange and green close up flower held in hand.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) orange flower clusters held against a light stone texture background.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) black seeds on white surface close up
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) seeds positioned next to a wooden ruler for scale
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) brown seeds on a white surface, close up, oval shaped fruit.
Melianthus comosus (Honey Flower) seeds with a deep brown color rest on a white surface.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/melianthus_comosus.htm
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