Sugar Bush (Protea mellifera)

Family: Proteaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in nectar and this is often collected and used as a sweetener. — The flowers are rich in nectar and this is often collected and used as a sweetener.; It can be boiled down to make a syrup and is then often used medicinally.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountain slopes to 300 metres. (Zone 8)