Leonotis leonorus WILD-DAGGA (15 seeds)

Lion's Tail, also known as Wild Dagga or Leonotis leonorus, is a fast-growing perennial from the Lamiaceae family.

It is a beautiful variety that grows in the African savannah. It reaches 1.50 meters in height, and its lifespan is generally 4 to 5 years.

Its evergreen leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and measure 5 to 12 centimeters. They display a dark green hue on the upper side with sharply toothed edges reminiscent of mint. Their opposite arrangement along the woody stems releases a powerful aromatic scent when lightly crushed between the fingers.

The flowering is distinguished by globular whorls (verticils) stacked along tall, upright floral spikes. These velvety, tubular flowers boast a brilliant orange color that evokes the texture and hue of a lion's fur. They produce abundant nectar that irresistibly attracts pollinators throughout the summer and until late autumn.

After the corollas fall, the persistent calyxes harden and become prickly, protecting the developing seeds inside. The fruits are achenes clustered at the bottom of these dry cells, which take on the appearance of geometric honeycombs.

Lion's Tail seeds are brown, wide, and flattened, measuring 6 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

Leonotis leonorus is prized for its architectural silhouette and spectacular tiered orange blooms. This plant brings verticality to Mediterranean beds or dry gardens thanks to its high drought resistance. Its exotic appearance makes it a preferred choice for contemporary landscaping.

Traditionally used by Southern African populations, "Cape Hemp" possesses medicinal virtues for treating inflammation and respiratory disorders. Its leaves and flowers are sometimes smoked or infused for their soothing and mildly euphoric properties. This sacred plant still holds a central place in ritual pharmacopoeia today for its effects on the nervous system.

Do not consume for psychoactive or medicinal effects. Cultivate only for its beautiful flowering and for the preservation of the ethnobotanical species.

- Germination, Sowing of Seeds:

• The most favorable period to sow Wild Dagga is in May.
• Soak the seeds for a few hours in lukewarm water to break their dormancy.
• Prepare a tray or small pots with substrate rich in organic matter and sow the seeds without burying them.
• Water the culture gently with a hand sprayer.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature of at least 30°C.
• Germination will begin after 2 to 3 weeks.

- Soil Type:

It thrives in light, stony, and perfectly drained soil to avoid root suffocation. It tolerates poor or limestone soils very well, typical of Mediterranean-style gardens.

- Light:

Full sun exposure is essential to ensure vigorous growth and brilliant flowering. Direct heat also promotes nectar production and the intensity of the flowers' orange color.

- Temperatures:

Native to South Africa, it enjoys warm climates (25 - 35°C) and only tolerates brief frosts down to about -3 degrees. In cold regions, pot cultivation allows it to be sheltered during the winter period.

- Watering:

Its water needs are moderate as it has excellent drought tolerance once established. Weekly watering is sufficient during the summer, while it should be almost stopped during winter dormancy.

- Propagation:

Propagation is easily achieved by seed or by semi-ripe stem cuttings in late summer. Dividing clumps at the restart of vegetation is also an effective propagation technique.