Melianthus major - Uses, Benefits & Common Names
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Geraniales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
major
ID:
1084468
Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
tro
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 639 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001083806
Common Names
- Melianthus major
- Major Melianthus
- Major Melianthus Tree
Searching for Melianthus major? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!
Find Suppliers & Request SamplesDescription
Melianthus major (also called Greater Melianthus, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It has a rounded crown and a smooth, grey bark. Its leaves are pinnate, alternate, and oblong-lanceolate. It prefers tropical and subtropical climates and grows in dry savannas and along rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Melianthus major is used as an ornamental plant, for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, headache, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Melianthus major has small, yellow flowers with four petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Searching for Melianthus major? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!
Find Suppliers & Request SamplesCultivation and Propagation
Melianthus major can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and placed in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Both methods should be done in a warm, humid environment.
Where to Find Melianthus major
Melianthus major can be found in tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands.
Species in the Melianthus genus
Species in the Francoaceae family
Balbisia calycina, Balbisia aphanifolia, Balbisia gracilis, Balbisia integrifolia, Balbisia meyeniana, Balbisia microphylla, Balbisia miniata, Balbisia peduncularis, Balbisia stitchkinii, Balbisia verticillata, Balbisia calycina, Bersama abyssinica, Bersama lucens, Bersama palustris, Bersama swinnyi, Bersama swynnertonii, Bersama tysoniana, Bersama yangambiensis, Francoa appendiculata, Greyia flanaganii, Greyia radlkoferi, Greyia sutherlandii, Melianthus comosus, Melianthus dregeanus, Melianthus major, Melianthus pectinatus, Melianthus villosus, Melianthus elongatus, Rhynchotheca spinosa, Viviania linostigma, Viviania ovata, Viviania tenuicaulis, Viviania elegans, Viviania marifolia,
References
The Plant List v1.1 record tro-20500014: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.