Thursday, April 16, 2009

Now blooming at the Getty Center Central Garden

This wonderful leafy plant is now blooming and can be found at the beginning of the Central Garden at the Getty Center.

The Honey Bush, or melianthus major, is over five foot tall with a beautiful spiky burgundy flower. It comes from South Africa and although toxic when taken internally, it is used medicinally by their local people. They mostly use the leaves to make poultices that are applied directly to wounds, bruises, backache and rheumatic joints. I'm allergic to things that aren't toxin, so I'll pass, thank you.

Since the Central Garden is seasonal we have plants that come and go and sometimes it's a bit of work to keep up on the names. We have a wonderful contact who knows all things growing and he's a life saver when it comes to names of plants.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Moon,

    Thanks for stopping by my garden blog the other day and leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.

    Cool plant you captured here.

    Cheers.

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  2. Thanks Mr Brown, I'm lucky to spend time in the Getty Garden and never have to get dirt under my nails.

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