Overview
Leonotis engleri Gürke, also known as Engler's lion's ear, is an ornamental flowering plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This plant is native to Southwestern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. It is highly prized for its striking appearance, as well as its medicinal properties.General Appearance
Leonotis engleri Gürke is a perennial plant that can grow up to three meters tall. It features woody stems with opposite, simple leaves that are lance-shaped and covered in fine hairs. The leaves are bright green and can grow up to 10 cm long. The stems are thick and sturdy, covered in soft velvety hairs. Leonotis engleri Gürke has flowers that are arranged in whorls around the stem, with each whorl containing up to 7 individual flowers. The flowers themselves are bright orange in color, tubular, and about 2 cm long. They are attractive to birds and bees, making them great for pollination.Common Names
Leonotis engleri Gürke is known by many common names such as Engler's lion's ear, rolling lion's ear, and South African lion's ear.Uses
Leonotis engleri Gürke has both ornamental and medicinal uses. It is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers and overall striking appearance. Furthermore, it is also used in traditional African medicine to treat a range of ailments, such as fever, cough, and chest complaints. Native African communities also brew tea from the leaves of Leonotis engleri. This tea is said to have calming properties that can help with anxiety and stress. However, people should seek expert advice before consuming or using any plant for therapeutic purposes.Light Requirements
Leonotis engleri Gürke is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun to thrive. It can also tolerate partial shade, but full sun is preferable.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to southern Africa and prefers warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27°C). It is not frost tolerant and needs protection from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Leonotis engleri Gürke grows best in well-draining soils with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be a mixture of sand, loam, and clay, with good organic matter. It does not like soil that is too wet or too dry, so it is essential to ensure good drainage.
Cultivation
Leonotis engleri Gürke, commonly known as the Lion's Ear, is a perennial plant native to South Africa. It is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in warm climates. It can be propagated from cuttings or seeds.
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. A spot with full sun exposure is ideal for the growth of Lion's Ear. Plant them in a hole that is twice the size of their root ball, and backfill with soil mixed with compost. Space them at least 2 feet apart.
Watering Needs
After planting, the plant needs to be watered thoroughly but not excessively. Once the plant is established, it requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch, but before wilting occurs. Lion's Ear is a drought-resistant plant; too much watering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
It is essential to maintain the soil's moisture content by mulching around the plant's base, which will also reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Lion's Ears are low-maintenance plants that do not need much feeding. However, fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthier growth and enhance flower production. Apply fertilizer once in early spring and once in mid-summer, following the package's instructions.
Pruning
Pruning Lion's Ear is optional but recommended to maintain the plant's shape and promote bushier growth. After the flowering season, trim back the plant by one-third to one-half of the growth to encourage new branching and leaf production. Removing dead or damaged stems can also enhance the plant's overall appearance.
It is advisable to use clean, sharp secateurs to prevent damage or infection to the plant.
Propagation of Leonotis engleri Gürke
Leonotis engleri Gürke, commonly known as the forest Leonotis or Nyasaland lion's ear, is a perennial shrub native to Malawi and Tanzania. It is a popular ornamental plant because of its vibrant orange flowers that bloom in clusters.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagating Leonotis engleri Gürke is through seeds. Harvest seeds from mature plant pods once they turn brown and begin to crack open. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil at a depth of 2 to 3 mm in a container or directly into the ground. Water lightly, and keep the soil consistently moist. Germination should occur within 4 to 6 weeks.
Propagating through Cuttings
Another method of propagating Leonotis engleri Gürke is through stem cuttings. Use a sharp blade to cut a 15-cm stem from a mature plant that has a few leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving only two to four leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in bright, indirect sunlight. Roots should develop within 2 to 3 weeks, and the plant should be ready for transplanting within 8 to 10 weeks.
Propagating through Division
Leonotis engleri Gürke can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant in the spring by gently lifting the plant out of the soil and separating the root ball into two or more sections using a sharp, sterilized tool. Each section should have several stems and a portion of the root system. Transplant each section into its own container or directly into the ground.
Propagation of Leonotis engleri Gürke is relatively easy, and it is a great way to share this beautiful plant with other gardening enthusiasts.
Disease and Pest Management for Leonotis engleri Gürke
Leonotis engleri Gürke, also known as Lion's ear or Wild dagga, is a South African indigenous plant that can suffer from various pests and diseases. Adequate preventive measures can help maintain the health of the plant and mitigate the spread of infections.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leonotis engleri Gürke is vulnerable to fungal infections that cause leaf spot disease, which leads to the formation of circular or angular spots and wilting of leaves. To prevent this fungal disease, avoid overwatering the plant and control humidity levels. Remove any infected parts immediately and apply a copper or sulfur fungicide to the remaining parts.
Canker: Canker is another fungal disease that results in the formation of dead tissue and lesions on the stem of the plant. The infection can spread to other parts of the plant and cause wilting. To prevent canker, maintain adequate air circulation and avoid physical damage to the plant. Sanitize the pruning tools and cut off the infected parts. Use a fungicide that contains copper or neem oil to control the disease.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the sap of the plant leaves, causing yellowing, curling, and wilting of leaves. To control spider mites, spray water on the leaves to remove the pests physically. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to kill the mites. Try to maintain a humid environment near the plant to deter the spider mites.
Thrips: Thrips are another significant pest that can cause damage to Leonotis engleri Gürke. The pests feed on the foliage and flowers and cause them to deform and discolor. To control thrips, implement cultural control methods such as removing weeds and avoiding overfertilizing. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to control the pests.
By following the preventive measures and using appropriate pest and disease management techniques, you can help keep Leonotis engleri Gürke healthy and thriving.
