Honey Flower

Description:

Melianthus comosus is an attractive multi-stemmed shrub; all parts of the plant produce a strong, unpleasant smell when bruised, hence the Afrikaans name. 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.

Habitat:

Melianthus comosus has a wide distribution, mainly in the dry interior of South Africa. Its extends from Namibia to the North West Province, Gauteng Province, Mpumalanga Province, Free State Province, Lesotho, Northern Cape Province, Western Cape Province and Eastern Cape Province.

Notes:

This lovely fynbos was spot at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in the Western Cape of RSA.