Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br.

Lamiaceae

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.

Phlomis nepetifolia L., Species Plantarum 2: 586-587(1753), Type: Habitat in Surinami?