Leonotis nepetifolia, (also known as klip dagga, Christmas candlestick, or lion's ear), is a species of plant in the genus Leonotis and the family Lamiaceae (mint).
This spiky flower is native to tropical Africa and southern India but is found growing abundantly here in Jamaica and much of Latin America and the rest of the Caribbean.
It grows to a height of up to 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 (4 in) wide.
Sunbirds and ants are attracted to the flowers. It has been found growing on road sides, rubbish heaps or waste land.
It is brew as a tea for fever, coughs, womb prolapse and malaria. My aunt also advised me that we also use the leaves as a poultice for wounds.
This spiky flower is native to tropical Africa and southern India but is found growing abundantly here in Jamaica and much of Latin America and the rest of the Caribbean.
It grows to a height of up to 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 (4 in) wide.
Sunbirds and ants are attracted to the flowers. It has been found growing on road sides, rubbish heaps or waste land.
It is brew as a tea for fever, coughs, womb prolapse and malaria. My aunt also advised me that we also use the leaves as a poultice for wounds.