Tufted Honeyflower - introduced (*Melianthus comosus)

Family: Melianthaceae (Honeyflower family).

Native of South Africa.

Occurrence: Occasional record for Central Victoria.

Identification:

• it is a shrub to several metres high
• the leaves are large (15 cm) and divided into about 10 toothed leaflets
• the flowers are red with 4 or 5 petals
• the leaves have an unpleasant odour.

Tufted Honeyflower is a noxious weed and is listed as Regionally Restricted in central Victoria. It is sometimes planted in gardens. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

All: Tufted Honeyflower. Hans Heysen Trail, Cape Jervis. Photo 2 shows the distinctive fruit.

Tufted Honeyflower (Melianthus major).