Cape Honeyflower - introduced (Melianthus major)

Family: Melianthaceae (Honeyflower family).

Native of South Africa.

Occurrence: Occurrence: Scattered occurrence, usually as garden escapes, where it may be abundant e.g. at Maldon.

Identification:

• a distinctive weed, growing to about 1.5 metres high
• the leaves are large and divided into leaflets, and give off an unpleasant odour when crushed
• the red flowers have pouched petals.

All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Photos: Cape Honeyflower. Maldon.

Tufted Honeyflower (Melianthus comosus).