Description
Melianthus major.(Melianthaceae). Touch-me-not (e), Kruidjie-roer-my-nie (a). Hardy, evergreen, decorative shrub with large, blue-green leaves. The maroon flower spikes appear in spring to early summer and are carried above the foliage and their copious nectar attracts sunbirds and insects to the garden. Prefers a damp situation and makes a good accent plant in sun or semi-shade particularly near water. Needs to be pruned back after flowering to keep looking neat. Size up to 2m. Sowing: The seed is sown in autumn in seed trays filled with a well-drained medium and covered lightly with sand or finely milled bark. Germination is usually within a month. Locality: Bossieveld. Harvest: June 2020
