Leonotis menthifolia
Urus mane, Naivasha ApricotFamily: Lamiaceae
Origin: South Africa
Very unusual funny flower! The plant grows through it! (see pictures). After bloom, the new growth just keeps growing up through the flower. Shrubby, semi-woody, perennial or semi-evergreen subshrub to 2m high with a 1m spread. Tolerates poor soil. Wild Dagga is smoked or made into a medicinal tea by the Hottentot tribe of South Africa. Because of its euphoric effects, it is often referred to as a Cannabis substitute. Used in Eastern medicine as euphoria, purgative, and vermifuge. Spiny whorls of soft apricot-orange fuzzy flowers are held atop tall erect stems that remind of a crows nest on the mast of a ship. A super magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, the hummingbirds will sip for as long as ten seconds or more from one flower. Fun in cut flower arrangements too.
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