Status:
valid
Authors:
Bolus
Source:
tro
Year:
1896
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. 34: 17 (1896)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001083811
Common Names
- Melianthus villosus
- Villosus Melianthus
- Villosus Melianthus Tree
Description
Melianthus villosus (also called Hairy 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 ovate. It prefers tropical and subtropical climates and grows in dry savannas and along rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Melianthus villosus 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 villosus 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.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melianthus villosus 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 villosus
Melianthus villosus 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,