Melianthus major or Kruidjie-roer-my-nie as it is commonly known in Afrikaans forms an eye-catching multi-stemmed shrub which is an easy garden plant, grown worldwide for its attractive foliage. Because of the lovely shapes of the leaves it makes a stunning accent plant next to a pond and can also be used, with great effect, to form an informal shrub border. During the dry summers or whenever the plants are untidy, they should be cut back hard to encourage new growth. The plants can survive in cold areas with frost, sending new shoots from the base in spring. Traditionally Melianthus major leaves are used medicinally to treat ailments such as backache, rheumatism and septic wounds.