Calycanthus floridus

Calycanthus floridus, also called spice bush or melon tree, is a medium-sized fragrant shrub with a loose upright growth and many ground shoots, this plant can easily grow up to 3 meters high. The leaves are ovate, dull and medium green, fatty above, slightly hairy below. The 4 to 5 cm large flowers are red to brown-red and smell of melon and strawberry, the bark and branches also have a strong cinnamon-scented perfume. Calycanthus floridus is hardy and likes a sunny position. The soil should be moist, nutrient-rich and neutral to slightly acidic. The brown-black seed hips are poisonous to livestock.