Leonotis nepetifolia 

 

Plant Family:  Lamiaceae

 

 Description:  It grows to a height of 3 meters and has whorls of striking lipped flowers, that are most commonly orange, but can vary to red, white, and purple. It has very soft serrated leaves that can grow up to 4 inches wide.

 

 Natural Habitat: It can also be found growing abundantly in much of Latin America and the West Indies.

 

Origin and Distribution:   It is native to tropical Africa and southern India.

 

Cultural uses:   conventional healers used the brew from the plant to treat severe fever and coughs.  This treatment is also used for malaria. The plant is believed to have many properties known to cure a variety of ailments. Traditional herbalist also use the plant to aid in the reproductive health of women.