Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br.

Brown, R. (1753) Hortus Kewensis 2: 409-410.

Lion's ear

Plants usually single-stemmed and 1-2 m tall. Stems 4-angled. Branches of leaves produced at 5-12 cm intervals along the stem.

Leaf blades about 4.5 x 3 cm. Petioles about 2-4 cm long.

Fruits in globular heads about 4-6 cm diam. Nutlets about 3-3.5 mm long. Nutlets up to 4 per fruit. Cotyledons about 2 mm long, much wider than the radicle. Radicle about 0.6-0.7 mm long.

Coyledons about 10-15 x 5-12 mm. Petioles about 7-10 mm long. First leaf blades about 20 x 12-15 mm, margins toothed (crenate), petioles about 5 mm long. Seed germination time 69 days.

An introduced species originally from tropical America, which has become naturalised in WA, NT, CYP, NEQ, CEQ and southwards to south-eastern Queensland. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 160 m. Usually grows in disturbed open areas but also found on edges of monsoon forest and vine thickets.