Honey flower, Honeysuckle, Mountain devil
Lambertia formosa

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

An erect shrub. It can grow to 2 m high. It spreads 1-1.5 m wide. The small branches are hairy. The leaves are narrow and 3-7 cm long by 5 mm wide. They are dark green above and paler and hairy underneath. They have a sharply pointed tip. The flowers are red and tubular. They are rich in nectar. The occur in clusters of 7 near the ends of branches. They have reddish-green bracts around them. These are about 5 cm long. The fruit is woody and 2.5 cm long. It has a short beak and 2 prominent horns.

There are 11 Lambertia species. They grow in Australia.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate places. It can also grow in the subtropics. It needs moist well drained soil. It grows near the coast and in hills near the coast. It grows in heath and open forest. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The nectar of the flower is drunk. CAUTION: It can cause headaches. The dried flowers are added to salads.

Edible parts

Flower nectar, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate in 25-60 days. They can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Protea nectarina J.C. Wendl.;