Honey tree, White bristle bush
Metalasia muricata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A low rounded shrub. It can grow to 4 m tall. The crown is made up of upward pointing twiggy stems. The leaves are very small and less than 1 cm long. They are often needle like. They occur in tufts on the branches. The flowers are in crowded heads at the ends of branches. The flowers have a honey smell.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows on dunes along the coast. In coastal forests it grows along streams. It can grow up to 1800 m altitude in South Africa. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 100-150 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Lesotho, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to make tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Blombos

Synonyms

Gnaphalium muricatum L.;