Klip Dagga,(Leonotis nepetifolia), also known as Lion's Ear, Shandilay (Trinidad), Christmas Candlestick (America) and Grantiparani (India), has become naturalized in subtropical and tropical areas where it can grow up to 3m tall.
Flowers are borne in rounded, spiny clusters that encircle the stems so that it looks like the stems are growing right through the middle of the clusters.
As the stems elongate, new flower clusters continue to develop above the older ones.
The tubular flowers that peek out of the spiny heads are orange and furry, like a lion's ear - they are about 2.5 cm long and curve downward.
Klip Dagga is drought tolerant once established and they need full sun or light shade.
Medicinal Uses.
Klip Dagga has long been used in African traditional medicine as a treatment for fevers, headaches, malaria, dysentery and snakebite.
It has an effect on the uterus - depending on the dose it will stimulate- or suppress menstruation.
In Trinidad it is a common cold, fever and asthma remedy.
Studies suggest that teas or tinctures made with the leaf possesses anti-nociceptive properties (it inhibits the sensation of pain), is anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic, hence the folkloric uses of this herb in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic, and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Klip Dagga also is an excellent heart tonic. It is used for heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension and will calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats.
The dried foliage of Leonotis can be used as a legal substitute for marijuana.
Smoking this dried herb gives an euphoric-like effect and exuberance.
The flowers are the most potent part and can be smoked or used as a calming tea.
