Melianthus major

The Gardens are full of wonderful blooms at this time of year, but one unusual plant that stands out, particularly because it comes from the Mediterranean climate region of South Africa, is the Melianthus major. This can be seen in the Mediterranean climate garden (area L on the downloadable map) and in the South African Bed in Osborn's Field (area J).

The Melianthus, also known as the honey flower, is an evergreen shrub, but is often grown as a herbaceous perennial in this country, because it is not reliably hardy. However, this past winter has been kind to this shrub, and the foliage has looked good throughout the season. It is a sprawling bush growing to a height of 3 m with beautiful, glaucous, pinnate leaves. The leaves when crushed smell of peanut butter. The flowers, usually seen much later in the year, are rather curious, brownish red spikes, the nectar being enjoyed by nectar-feeding birds (not seen in Sheffield!). The flowers are followed by papery seed pods.