It is an evergreen suckering shrub, endemic to South Africa and naturalised in India, Australia and New Zealand.

Dark red, nectar-laden flower spikes, 30–80 cm (12–31 in) in length, appear in spring, followed by green pods.

[2] The Latin binomial Melianthus major literally means "large honey flower".

In cultivation this plant requires a sheltered location and may also need a protective winter mulch in temperate regions.

Media related to Melianthus major at Wikimedia Commons This Geraniales-related article is a stub.