Lion’s ear, also known as wild dagga or lion’s tale, is an extraordinary plant that steals the spotlight in any garden with its vibrant orange blooms. However, it’s much more than just a pretty face as it carries deep roots in traditional healing practices.
Hlayiseka Matukane from Casteel in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, has found a unique way to connect with his ancestors while healing his body, using wild dagga. He describes how a dream led him to this medicinal herb, which has become a crucial part of his life.
“I have been using the wild dagga plant for over six months. What prompted me to use it is because I had a dream where my ancestors were showing me the plant and also guided me on which bush to go and search for it, then [to] use it for myself as I was not feeling well. I had pains in my chest, and I had diarrhoea.”
Discovering a healing treasure
He says he has since discovered a range of health benefits from the lion’s ear plant, and uses it to treat several conditions in others.
“I use the lion’s ear plant to treat tuberculosis, jaundice, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, diabetes, hepatitis, dysentery, and diarrhoea.
“The leaves, roots, and bark are also used as an emetic for snakebites, bee and scorpion stings. It has shown to be very effective.”
Hlayiseka Matukane
For Sipho Mkhize from KwaZulu-Natal, the lion’s ear plant has become essential to his daily wellness routine since improving his high blood pressure.
“I started using the lion’s ear plant a few years ago, as it grows randomly in my garden, so I decided to do research on it and discovered its benefits. I’ve always believed in the power of nature to heal.
“I usually boil the leaves and flowers to make a tea, and it’s been great in managing my coughs, fevers, and even helping with digestion problems. I’ve also found it useful for treating skin irritations.”
Cape Town-based horticulturist Chris Mushoriwa shares that the Lion’s Ear (Leonotis leonurus) is native to Southern Africa, particularly in regions like South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. He notes its appearance as one of the most captivating features.
Striking flowers and drought-resistant
“Unique features of the lion’s ear plant include vibrant orange, tubular flowers arranged in tiered whorls along the stems, resembling a lion’s mane. This striking appearance not only makes it an ornamental favourite but also a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even birds.
“It thrives in the wild across the savannas and grasslands, where it’s a common sight. Additionally, the plant’s ability to withstand drought conditions makes it highly adaptable to various landscapes.”
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Beyond its ornamental value, he notes that wild dagga has a long history of being beneficial in traditional medicine.
“In traditional medicine, particularly in African cultures, the lion’s ear has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The leaves and flowers are commonly used to make infusions or teas that are believed to alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs, fever, and even high blood pressure.”
“It also has mild sedative properties and has been used in traditional practices to soothe headaches and treat skin conditions.”
Easy to cultivate
For those interested in cultivating the lion’s ear, Mushoriwa says it’s important to understand the optimal conditions for its growth and explains that it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
“The lion’s ear is highly adaptable to different soil types but prefers sandy or loamy soils. It can tolerate drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping, but regular watering during the growing season will encourage more vigorous flowering.
“It prefers a warm climate, with temperatures ranging between 65-85°F (18-29°C), and can be grown as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.”
Horticulturalist Chris Mushoriwa
He points out that ensuring that the soil drains well is one of the challenges of growing the lion’s ear, as it is prone to root rot in overly wet conditions.
“Another challenge can be managing its spread, as it can grow quite large, up to 6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, and may require pruning to maintain a desired shape or to prevent it from becoming too invasive.
“In colder climates, it needs protection from frost or can be grown as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.”
Moreover, Mushoriwa states that the lion’s ear is not only an eye-catching plant in the garden but also serves as an excellent choice for attracting wildlife.
“Its long-lasting flowers provide a continuous source of nectar for pollinators throughout the blooming season. Additionally, the plant has cultural significance in some African traditions, where it’s used in various ceremonial practices.
“If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet visually striking plant that contributes to biodiversity, the lion’s ear is an excellent choice.”
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