Description

Latin name: Leonotis nepetifolia
Also know as: Klip Dagga, Christmas Candlestick or lion’s ear

Leonotis nepetifolia – Klip Dagga Seeds

Leonotis nepetifolia is known in Trinidad as shandilay and the leaves are brewed as a tea for fever, coughs, womb prolapse and malaria. The dried leaves are sometimes used as a legal substitute for marijuana. The roots of L. nepetifolia are considered to be the botanical sources of granthiparna, an ayurvedic herb.

Leonotis nepetifolia (klip dagga) is related to Leonotis leonurus (wild dagga or lion’s tail.) The most noticeable difference between the two is the leaf shape. L. nepetifolia leaves are cordate with serrated edges, except the top pair which are lanceolate with serrated edges. The leaves are all lanceolate with serrated edges on L. leonurus.

About Leonotis nepetifolia – Klip Dagga

Leonotis nepetifolia is a species of plant in the genus Leonotis and the family Lamiaceae (mint). It is native to tropical Africa and southern India. It can also be found growing abundantly in much of Latin America, the West Indies, and the Southeastern United States. It grows to a height of 3 metres and has whorls of striking lipped flowers, that are most commonly orange, but can vary to red, white, and purple. It has drooping dark green, very soft serrated leaves that can grow up to 10 centimetres wide. Sunbirds and ants are attracted to the flowers. It has been found growing on road sides, rubbish heaps or waste land.