Anybody know what this plant is? I saw in a Sunset magazine once but threw the magazine and the article away. It's kind of a neat looking tropical thing. It's got a funny odor to it though. I'm growing it in Southern California and it seems to like sun/shade and water. I've had it for years and have it planted in a pot in the ground as it will take over.
I can also split it is someone would like some.
It's Melianthus major http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/57943/index.html
Well, thank you, Happ... I have been trying to find out what the heck it is for years! I knew I'd find the answer here!
Thanks again.
I first saw this in Candy's garden and love the foliage, such interesting structure but I am afraid it would get too big. Maybe I should try it along the back fence too and do minor clipping to control it.
here's some more info from Annie's Annauls site: http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/list/parent_redirect.htm
These Annie's links don't always work, if this one is bad, click on the plant name in the list Melianthus major "Honey Bush".
This message was edited May 19, 2005 10:55 AM
This message was edited May 19, 2005 11:53 AM
This message was edited May 19, 2005 11:56 AM
Hey, I may try this smaller version! Melianthus villosus Honey Bush
http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/list/new2.asp?id=13
Will put it on the wish list since it's not available right now.
This message was edited May 19, 2005 11:55 AM
This message was edited May 19, 2005 11:56 AM
Hey Sue, you're right the villosus might be what we need. I planted my major in a pot in the ground but you can see from the picture, that didn't stunt it! I like it but it stinks! I will share my stinky melianthus major with anyone!!! It is pretty and the flower is beautiful. Thanks for the links, Sue.
I guess the name 'Honey Bush' doesn't apply LOL! It does say it smells like hazelnuts, maybe that's what you smell.
I haven't had a problem keeping M. major in check, like about 4 1/2' H x 3 1/2' wide. I just prune it harshly a couple times a year and it stays bushy and evergreen all year round. It's a great plant for gray-blue foliage and shelters more tender plants under it's large foliage. I just love it.
I really like mine too, it only smells if you touch it and really, it isn't that bad. I call it the tobacco plant because to me, it smells like tobacco. Maybe I need to have my nose checked!
Calif_Sue, it all depends on your definition of honey. I lived in Korea before the war and before indoor plumbing. Men carrying huge buckets periodically came around to clean the outhouses. The Americans in Korea called them "honey" buckets. When we moved to America, my mother was horribly offended the first time a salesgirl addressed her as "Honey."
Oh yeah, that's right! The truck that comes around to clean out the porta potties is called a honey wagon.
What a topic. LOL
Funny how things quickly shift isn't it?!
Another name for the plant is "Peanut Butter Bush". If you take a tender leaf and break it off, the first impression I get is like some mild root vegetable....mild turnip or kohlrabi (sp?). But, take a second whiff and it does smell like natural peanut butter....the kind with just peanuts and not lots of added sugar etc.
Some describe it as objectionable, but not too bad IMHO. The mature flower stalks, which are very tall, drip nectar like "honey" and hummers love this plant.
"Honey" trucks are a whole other thing though aren't they???
Anybody know what this beauty is?? It looks to me like some sort of begonia...
It's surely a Begonia.....don't know which one though.
You might check out the Begonia Society website:
http://www.begonias.org/
I'll do that Hap, can I call you Hap? Thanks my friend!
