Sugar Bush

Protea mellifera

Physical Characteristics

Protea mellifera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S. Africa.

Habitats

South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Nectar Edible Uses: The flowers are rich in nectar and this is often collected and used as a sweetener[46, 61]. It can be boiled down to make a syrup and is then often used medicinally[46, 61].

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Pectoral Antitussive, pectoral[46, 61].

Known Hazards

None known