Family Melianthaceae
Leaf poultices and leaf decoctions are widely used to treat septic wounds, sores, bruises, backache and rheumatic joints. It is a traditional remedy for snakebite.When placing traps for jackals and other wild animals, branches of Melianthus comosus are used to wipe the ground to remove the smell of humans.
Melianthus comosus has a wide distribution, mainly in the dry interior of South Africa. Its extends from Namibia to the North West Province, Gauteng Province, Mpumalanga Province, Free State Province, Lesotho, Northern Cape Province, Western Cape Province and Eastern Cape Province.
The brightly coloured red flowered petals produce an abundance of nectar that attracts Sunbirds, Cape White Eyes, bees and butterflies.
