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Wild Dagga

Leonotis leonurus

SA tree number

English: Wild Dagga, Lion's Ear, Lion's Tail, Minaret Flower, Cape Hemp, Red Dacha, Red Dagga, Leonotis

Afrikaans: Wildedagga, Duiwelstabak, Duikertwak

Xhosa: Imvovo, Utywala-bengcungcu, Umfincafincane, Umunyamunya

Zulu: Umfincafincane, Umcwili, Imunyane, Utshwala-bezinyoni

N. Sotho: Lebake

Historical scientific names: Hemisodon leonurus, Phlomis leonurus, Phlomis speciosa, Leonurus africanus, Leonurus grandiflorus, Leonurus superbus

Other botanical names: Leonotis leonurus var. albiflora

Leonotis leonurus, widely recognised as Wild Dagga or Lion's Ear, is a striking, fast-growing, soft-wooded evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It typically grows as an erect, branched plant featuring unique, ball-shaped clusters of bright orange, velvety, tubular flowers. These vibrant, nectar-rich blooms are a significant attraction in South African gardens, particularly for nectar-feeding sunbirds, and are displayed prominently on tall stalks.

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Distinguishing features:

Ball-shaped, tiered whorls of bright orange, velvety, tubular flowers that encircle the square stems.
The flowers have an upper lip that is pubescent (covered in fine hairs), resembling a lion's ear.
Aromatic, lanceolate (lance-shaped) leaves with serrated or toothed margins.
Erect, branched stems that contribute to its bushy habit.
Attracts abundant sunbirds, bees, and butterflies with its rich nectar.

Overall appearance:

Leonotis leonurus is a robust, fast-growing, evergreen perennial shrub with a soft, woody stem. It presents an upright, branched habit, adorned with masses of showy, compact clusters of flowers along its long stalks. It can grow into a dense bush, providing excellent screening or a vibrant backdrop in a garden.

Height:

This shrub typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 metres, but can sometimes grow up to 6 metres tall under optimal conditions.

Width:

It generally spreads to about 1.5 metres wide, though some sources indicate a potential spread of up to 3.5 metres.

Leaves:

The leaves are lanceolate (lance-shaped) and can be up to 12 cm long. They are medium to dark green, aromatic when crushed, and have distinctly toothed margins. They are arranged oppositely along the stems. The leaves can be rough and slightly hairy, often carried somewhat far apart on the woody stems.

Flowers:

The flowers are the most striking feature of Leonotis leonurus. They are bright orange to orange-red (though white and yellow varieties like 'Alba' and 'Peaches and Cream' also exist). These tubular flowers are about 4.5 cm long and are densely clustered in decorative, ball-shaped whorls (verticillasters) that encircle the square stems at intervals. These whorls open consecutively up the stalk, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar. The flowers are covered with soft, short hairs, giving them a velvety texture. They are primarily bird-pollinated and are rich in sweet nectar.

Flowering season:

Flowering occurs predominantly from early autumn to winter (February to July), but can also extend through summer depending on the specific region and climate.

Fruits:

After flowering, the plant produces small, stick-shaped, dry nutlets (seeds in botanical terminology) that are released from the dried flower heads. While not typically consumed as a fruit in the culinary sense, the nutlets are often described as being embedded within the dried structures of the spent flowers. Some traditional uses refer to "edible fruits used for jams," but this may refer to a broader interpretation or specific preparations of the mature seed pods.

Seeds:

The small, stick-shaped seeds (nutlets) are dispersed by wind action, shaking loose from the dried seed heads and scattering around the parent plant. They have an oblique surface at the top covered by special oil glands that attract ants, which aid in their dispersal.

Bark:

The plant develops a woody stem. While specific detailed descriptions of the bark are limited, it is generally considered a soft-wooded shrub. Older trunks may develop a more textured or slightly fissured appearance.

Stems:

The stems are erect, branched, and notably square-shaped, which is a characteristic feature of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. They are stout and strong, supporting the large flower heads.

Wood:

Leonotis leonurus is described as a soft-wooded shrub, implying the wood is not particularly dense or hard.

Roots:

While specific morphological details are not extensively described, the plant has a robust root system. It is advised to cover the root zone with thick organic mulch in winter to protect it from freezing in very cold climates.

Soil type:

It is not particularly fussy about soil, but thrives in well-drained, loamy, and sandy soils. It can also tolerate a range of pH levels, from acid to neutral and slightly alkaline, especially if supplemented with compost or organic matter.

Aspect:

Leonotis leonurus performs best in full sun, requiring at least six or more hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be less prolific. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial. It prefers a sheltered site, but is also known to tolerate windy, exposed positions.

Edibility:

The flowers contain nectar that is consumed by birds and insects. Traditionally, the leaves and stems are used in herbal preparations. Some sources mention "edible fruits used for jams," but this is not a widespread culinary use. While its medicinal properties are well-documented, the plant is not typically consumed as a foodstuff.

Toxicity:

Leonotis leonurus has a long history of traditional medicinal use. However, animal studies (in rats) have indicated that high doses can lead to significant toxicological adverse effects on organs, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other bodily functions, with acute toxicity causing death at a dose of 3200 mg/kg. Therefore, while beneficial in traditional contexts, large quantities can be harmful.

Uses:

Medicinal: Traditionally, various parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots) are used in African herbal medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including headaches, coughs, colds, flu, fevers, snakebites, insect bites/stings, epilepsy, respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis), pain, inflammation, high blood pressure, and menstrual issues. It has also been explored for potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and analgesic properties.
Ornamental: Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks for its copious and showy orange blossom spikes, providing vibrant colour and architectural interest. It is used as an accent plant, screen, or backdrop for smaller shrubs.
Wildlife Attraction: It is an important nectar source, particularly for sunbirds (e.g., Whitebellied, Black, Yellowbellied, Olive, Collared, Marico Sunbirds), bees, and butterflies, making it excellent for wildlife gardens. It is also a larval food plant for the Bush Bronze butterfly (Cacyreus lingeus).
Other: Dried flowers can be used in potpourri. Some traditional uses include smoking the leaves as a mild narcotic for pain relief.

Ecology:

Leonotis leonurus is primarily bird-pollinated, with its tubular, nectar-rich flowers and their colour evolving in tandem with the curved beaks of African sunbirds. The nectar and pollen also attract honey bees and other insects. Once mature, the small, stick-shaped seeds are dispersed by wind action. Additionally, the seeds possess oil glands that attract ants, which carry them off, further aiding in dispersal. The Bush Bronze butterfly (Cacyreus lingeus) uses this plant as one of its larval food sources.

Distribution and habitat:

Native to South Africa, Leonotis leonurus is widely distributed across the country. It is found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape provinces. It is highly adaptable and thrives in various habitats, including grasslands, rocky areas, and coastal districts. It can also be found in bushveld and thicket biomes and tolerates both dry and moist conditions. Beyond South Africa, it has naturalised in other subtropical and Mediterranean climate regions globally, such as California, Hawaii, and parts of Australia.

Derivation of name:

Leonotis: Derived from the Greek words "leon" (meaning lion) and "-otis" (meaning ear), referring to the pubescent upper lip of each flower that resembles a lion's ear.
leonurus: Means "lion-coloured" or "lion's tail," which is a reference to the characteristic flower colour of many forms of the plant.
The common name "wild dagga" derives from Afrikaans, which in turn comes from the Khoikhoi word "dachab." The "wild" distinguishes it from cannabis, also known as "dagga" in South African English and Afrikaans.

Historical aspects:

Leonotis leonurus has a long and significant history of traditional use in African herbal medicine, dating back centuries. Various indigenous communities have employed different parts of the plant to treat a wide array of ailments, reflecting deep ethnobotanical knowledge. It was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant as early as the 1600s, indicating its early recognition for both its beauty and its potential properties. Modern scientific research continues to investigate and validate some of its traditional medicinal applications.

Interesting facts:

Its flowers are so uniquely shaped that their upper lip looks just like a lion's ear – hence the common name "Lion's Ear"!
Even though it's called "Wild Dagga," it's not related to cannabis, which is also known as "dagga" in South Africa. The "wild" part helps to tell them apart.
The plant's vibrant orange flowers are like a magnet for sunbirds, which are perfectly adapted to sip the sweet nectar with their long, curved beaks!
It's a favourite for gardeners who want to attract wildlife, as it provides a vital food source for birds, bees, and butterflies, especially in autumn and winter when other plants might not be flowering.
Despite its soft, woody stems, Leonotis leonurus is surprisingly tough, being both drought and frost-hardy once established.

Growing tips:

Plant in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours a day to encourage abundant flowering.
Prefers well-drained soil; it can tolerate sandy, loamy, or even slightly alkaline or acidic conditions, but avoid waterlogged areas.
It is drought-hardy once established, but moderate watering during summer, especially for young plants, will promote faster growth and longer flowering.
Leonotis leonurus is frost-hardy, but in areas with severe cold, cover the root zone with thick organic mulch in winter to protect the roots from freezing.
To encourage mass flowering and vigorous new growth, cut the plant back severely (to about 10-20 cm high) at the end of winter, then top-dress with well-rotted manure or compost and water deeply.
Propagate from fresh seeds, greenwood cuttings taken in late spring to midsummer, or by dividing large clumps at the end of winter.
When taking cuttings, remove flowerless shoots that are 4-6 inches long, strip the lower leaves, and plant in a cactus mix or equal parts sand and peat moss. Keep moist and in light shade until roots form.
For container planting, use a large pot (10-15 gallon) with ample drainage holes and well-draining soil mixed with compost. Potted plants may require more frequent watering.
Can be used effectively as a backdrop to smaller shrubs or as a low screen in the landscape.

Which is which?

There are three species of WIld Dagga found in the Eastern Cape. Here is a quick guide to distinguishing between them:

1) Leaf Shape:

Leonotis ocymifolia: Broad, ovate, toothed, velvety.
Leonotis leonurus: Narrow, lanceolate, slightly serrated, leathery.
Leonotis nepetifolia: Broad, heart-shaped (cordate), serrated (except top pair).

2) Growth Habit:

Leonotis ocymifolia: Perennial shrub, up to 2 m, compact varieties.
Leonotis leonurus: Perennial, bushy, 1–2 m tall, 0.5–1 m wide.
Leonotis nepetifolia: Annual, loosely branched, up to 3 m.

3) Flowers:

Leonotis ocymifolia: Orange, 25–45 mm, dense whorls, Jan–May.
Leonotis leonurus: Orange (or white/apricot), 30–55 mm, large clusters, Nov–Jan or Apr–Jun.
Leonotis nepetifolia: Orange (or red/white/purple), 20 mm, smaller spiny clusters.

4) Habitat:

Leonotis ocymifolia: Eastern Africa, grasslands, rocky slopes.
Leonotis leonurus: Southern Africa, damp grasslands, widely cultivated.
Leonotis nepetifolia: Tropical Africa/India, disturbed areas, invasive in tropics.

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