Melianthus major

Native to South Africa, this vigorous perennial shrub grows on sandstone slopes, often beside streams. It can reach about eight feet tall and spread through suckers. Tall flower spikes carry dark maroon to rusty-red blossoms in spring. The showy colour comes from the sepals, which surround much smaller petals. Deeply divided, blue-green foliage has sharply toothed leaflets and a strong smell when touched. The nectar-rich flowers attract sunbirds and other nectar-feeding birds. Its leaves and roots are poisonous; eating the leaves can be fatal to grazing animals, even when the foliage is dried. Photographed in Colombia.