MELIANTHUS. Honeybush. South Africa. An odd and (strangely) wonderful group of shrubs, segregated in their own family, though one might guess from the flowers some alliance to Acanthus or the snapdragons. They are of various sizes and shapes, but all have large, dramatic leaves, divided feather-like into large toothed leaflets. When broken or crushed, the leaves emit a strange odor which some people liken to peanut butter, others find distinctly unpleasant. Tubular, hooded flowers which hold great quantities of nectar (and thus are dearly loved by hummingbirds and others) are presented in elongated clusters at the shoot tips, usually in summer. Sometimes they are quite showy. They thrive in sun or light shade and well drained soil, with moderate watering. The tops are damaged at 20-25^oF., but their substantial rhizomes resprout after harder freezes.

major. This is the only reasonably well-known species. It makes broad thickets by means of its radiating, sometimes rather invasive rhizomes. The stems are quite thick. They rise 6-12’ and carry arching, palm-like leaves up to 2’ long. These are colored a chalky blue on their upper surface, paler and greener beneath. The flower clusters are sometimes over 2’ long, the flowers about 1" long and an odd, brownish red in color.

minor. The species names should tell you that plants of this species are smaller than the last. They are usually under 6’ in height, with more slender stems and leaves only about half as long. The leaves are also distinctly greener than those of M. major. Clusters up to 1’ long carry showy, somewhat earthy red flowers.