Melianthus major; (Giant honey flower)
Valued for the architectural nature of the foliage, Melianthus major is one of those plants that is unique and immediately recognizable. Prehistoric like leaves are almost tropical in appearance, yet this South African endemic is practically bullet proof. Growing rapidly during spring, the new foliage unfurls and reaches for the sky and is equally quickly topped by burgundy, rubbery looking inflorescence. Flowers are loved by honeyeaters who hang upside down supping on the nectar as the flower spike droops under their weight. Prune the flowering stems once the inflated seed pods develop, and amuse the kids popping the pods under foot. Or you can prune off the flowers in their infancy to maintain a more compact plant. During late winter I prune out woody growth to make room for fresh new foliage and this helps with maintaining a compact plant.