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Melianthus major

Melianthus major

Question from Shoot User
2156 3
I ahve just bought a melianthus major (honey bush). It sounded just the right architectural plant for a large sun-blessed space at the bottom of my long garden.

I have read somewhere that its foliage is 'toxic' and am worried as I am a cat lover and don't want my feline friends to come to any harm.

Any advice would be welcome.
Posted: Tuesday 2nd of February 2010 08:14 PM

  • Melianthus Major

    Shoot User
    Hi Sandy,

    I've never heard of melianthus major posing any danger to cats, and can't find any evidence stating otherwise, so wouldn't worry too much.

    You're right, the plant is poisonous if ingested, however it's highly unlikely any cats will be tempted to eat this - the sources I've consulted state that they would only do so in the absence of any other food source.

    So keep the cats well fed, relax, and enjoy your new plant!

    If you need any tips on growing or caring for it let us know.

    Hope this helps.

    Katy
    Replied: Thursday 4th of February 2010 02:20 PM

    • Melianthus major

      Shoot User
      Thank you. I am a little worried as my moggy will not eat grass at all, but seems to enjoy nibbling away at other foliage, especially the verbena boniarensis and sisyrinchium striatum. I've got some other plants described as 'toxic', such as monkshood, which she seems to leave alone. Fingers crossed then!
      Replied: Thursday 4th of February 2010 05:23 PM

      • Re: Melianthus major

        Anita Sullivan
        Off the track here a bit, but... my dogs also snack on verbena boniarensis. They eat it medicinally as an astingent, to aid digestion (after two many rich treats!). So beneficial!
        Replied: Sunday 18th of August 2013 09:38 AM

  • Melianthus major

    Marissa Zoppellini
    Hi Sandy, the root of this plant is poisonous, however it is used as a remedy for snake bites!! I love the peanut butter smell of the foliage in summer and its lovely grey-green leaves are very striking. Hope it (and your cats) thrive. All the best, Marissa
    Replied: Thursday 4th of February 2010 09:52 PM

  • Melianthus major

    Shoot User
    Thanks Melissa
    Replied: Friday 5th of February 2010 02:54 PM
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