Mystery plant- help!

Just worked out how to start a topic here!
can someone help me identify this plant? It has a growing habit very similar to a tree dahlia, with tall hollow stems protruding from the ground and soft green leaves. however this plant develops a single stemed flower, shaped at first like a prawn, unfurling into a spike as it matures. the spike is mostly green with pinkish/reddish hues at the ends of the leave like 'petals'. the stem on which the flower develops also matures to a deep red. I've tried searching for it, but still cannot identify it. Can anyone help??

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Re: Mystery plant- help!

Reply from Jo Thompson

It's Melianthus major

Re: Re: Mystery plant- help!

Reply from Nicola

Thanks Jo!!

Hi Emma, welome:) Here is Melianthus major in Shoot. Hope that helps?

Hope too you are enjoying the site so far.
Nicola

Re: Re: Re: Mystery plant- help!

Reply from Emma Williams

Yes, it does help. Thank you Nicola. and thank you the warm welcome, i am enjoying the site. None of my family or friends (including facebook) had any idea what the plant was.

Re: Re: Mystery plant- help!

Reply from Emma Williams

Thank you Jo. Seems it was no trouble for you! I've never seen it before myself (here in eastern suburbs of Melbourne). The plant I saw was a bit taller and less bush like, but it was probably due to its position. The flowers on my bush had not become as red as the ones depicted here and else where on the Net. It could be due to too much shade, or perhaps the type of variant. In any case- Thank you!

Re: Mystery plant- help!

Reply from Jo Thompson

Pleasure! I had this in a warm place in a garden here in UK - it doesn't always flower and it took me by surprise when it did! It does not like being cold. The leaves have a strange peanut-butter smell - v peculiar!