Leonotis nepetifolia, also known as Klip Dagga or Lion's Ear, is a species of plant in the Leonotis genus and the Lamiaceae (mint) family. While most other species in this genus are native to Southern Africa, L. nepetifolia is native to tropical Africa and southern India. 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 very soft serrated leaves that can grow up to 4 inches wide.

Related species

L. nepetifolia (Klip Dagga) is related to L. leonurus (Wild Dagga or Lion's Tail.) The most noticeable difference between the two is the leaf shape. Leaves are *cordate* with serrated edges on L. nepetifolia, except the top pair which is lanceolate with serrated edges as pictured in taxonomy box. The leaves are all lanceolate with serrated edges on L. leonurus.

Medicinal use

L. nepetifolia is known in Trinidad as shandilay and the leaves are brewed as a tea for fever, coughs, womb prolapse and malaria.^[1]

References

1. ^ Mendes, John. 1986. Cote ce Cote la: Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary, Arima, Trinidad, p. 135.

Gallery

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  A Leonotis nepetifolia leaf

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.

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  in Narsapur, Medak district, India.