Description
Leonotis nepetifolia.
Native to southern India and tropical Africa, this plant offers striking orange flowers that butterflies, bees and small birds love.
The plant grows about 3m in height and enjoys a full sun position.
It can handle a variety of soil types and is drought tolerant once established.
The plant has a long history of medicinal use. Tea made from the leaves is believed to help relieve headaches. The leaf and stem decoctions are used internally to assist with colds and coughs and they can be applied topically to the skin to assist with itchiness. Infusions made from the flowers, stems, seeds and leaves are taken to assist with muscular cramps and high blood pressure, among other things.
