Melianthus comosus

Family: Melianthaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.5 m tall. The leaves are 6-16 cm long and divided in the top section. The leaflets in a pairs are 3-5 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide. The flowering shoots hang down with flowers along them. The flowers are dark red. The fruit capsules are 3-5 cm long and have 4 wings. The seeds are 3-4 mm across. They are black and shining.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The nectar is eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Diplerisma comosum (Vahl) Planch.;