Leonotis malacophylla Gürke
Leonotis malacophylla Gürke, commonly known as the velvet-leaf lion's ear, is a species of flowering plant that is native to South Africa. This evergreen shrub belongs to the family Lamiaceae, which is well-known for its aromatic herbs and shrubs.
Common Names
The velvet-leaf lion's ear is known by several common names, including klapperbos, bloublommetjie, and velvet-leaf. The name "lion's ear" refers to the shape of the flower, which resembles the ear of a lion.
Uses
The velvet-leaf lion's ear has a wide range of uses. In traditional African medicine, the leaves and roots of this plant are used to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and fever. The plant has also been used to treat snakebites and insect stings.
The plant's flowers are rich in nectar, making them popular with bees and butterflies. In addition, the plant's attractive flowers and foliage make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in a wide range of soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
General Appearance
The velvet-leaf lion's ear is a small to medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 2-3 meters tall. The plant has a woody stem and produces large, velvety leaves that are green-grey in color. The foliage is aromatic when crushed and has a musky scent.
The plant produces clusters of tubular, orange or yellow flowers that are held above the foliage on long stems. The flowers measure about 2-3 cm long and are arranged in whorls around the stem. The plant blooms from late summer to early autumn, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The plant produces small, dry fruits that contain tiny seeds, which are dispersed by wind. The plant can self-sow, and it can also be propagated through cuttings.
Light Requirements
Leonotis malacophylla Gürke is a plant that thrives in full sun. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for its optimal growth. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in areas where it can receive maximum sunlight. Insufficient sunlight can lead to poor growth by making it susceptible to diseases such as mildew or mold.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in warm temperatures and can tolerate a range of temperatures between 20? and 35?. It is therefore advisable to plant it in areas with mild temperatures and avoid freezing temperatures. In extremely hot temperatures, the plant can become stressed and require frequent watering to maintain its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It performs best in nutrient-rich soils that are loamy, sandy, and clay-rich. The soil should not be waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and cause stunted growth. Add organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its fertility and drainage abilities.
Water Requirements
Leonotis malacophylla Gürke requires regular watering, but it is advisable not to overwater it. Water the plant when the top layer of the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid watering the foliage and concentrate on the base. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal infections.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant has moderate fertilizer requirements. Provide it with a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, then every four weeks after that. Avoid using fertilizers rich in nitrogen as they can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Leonotis malacophylla Gürke, commonly known as the silver-leaf lion's ear, is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in warm and sunny conditions. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach a height of up to 10 feet. When planting, choose a location with well-draining soil and a lot of sunlight. Make sure the soil is fertile and has a pH between 6.0 to 7.0.
Watering Needs
The silver-leaf lion's ear requires minimal watering, especially during the growing season. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant thoroughly but avoid letting the soil stay wet for long periods. During the hot and dry seasons, the plant may require more water, so pay attention to the soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
The silver-leaf lion's ear is a robust plant that requires little fertilization. However, you can add some organic fertilizers like compost and aged manure to the soil at the beginning of the growing season. This will help to improve soil fertility and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth and development. Avoid using synthetic fertilizers as they can negatively impact the plant's health.
Pruning
Pruning silver-leaf lion's ear is not necessary, but it can help to maintain the plant's shape and size. Prune the plant in early spring before the onset of new growth. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to neaten the plant's appearance.
Propagation of Leonotis malacophylla Gürke
Leonotis malacophylla Gürke, also known as the woolly lion's ear, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the mint family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
The most common method of propagating Leonotis malacophylla is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil during the spring or summer months. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about two weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
It is important to note that seeds from the woolly lion's ear may not always produce plants that are true to the parent plant. This is due to the plant's tendency to hybridize easily.
Propagation from cuttings
The woolly lion's ear can also be propagated from cuttings taken from the parent plant. The best time to take cuttings is usually in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing.
To take a cutting, use a sterilized pair of pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch stem from the parent plant. Be sure to choose a stem that does not have any flowers or buds on it. Remove any leaves from the bottom inch of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and place it into a container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, sunny area, but out of direct sunlight. The cutting should start to grow roots in about 2-3 weeks.
After the roots have grown to a sufficient size, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation through division and layering are also possible, but less common.
Disease and Pest Management for Leonotis malacophylla Gürke
Leonotis malacophylla Gürke is a relatively low-maintenance plant and is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, like all plants, it is still susceptible to some issues that can impact its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that manifests as small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots can merge, leading to the death of the plant tissue. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected plant material and discard it. Try to avoid overhead watering, which can help prevent the spread of the disease. Planting the Leonotis malacophylla Gürke in a well-draining soil can also help reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil that leads to waterlogging. This often leads to the rotting of the roots and the eventual death of the plant. One way to manage root rot is to make sure the plant is planted in a pot with drainage holes or in well-draining soil. Another way is to avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be identified by the webs they spin on the plant. They feed on sap, causing the plant to become weak and potentially die. To manage spider mites, the plant can be sprayed with soapy water or neem oil. It is important to treat the plant every few days until the mites are completely gone.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white flying insects that suck sap from the plant. They can also carry viruses that can harm the plant. To manage whiteflies, sticky traps can be used to capture the adults, and insecticidal soap can be used to control the larvae.
By staying vigilant and taking steps to manage diseases and pests as soon as they are identified, you can help ensure that your Leonotis malacophylla Gürke stays healthy and happy.
