isiXhosa: umfincane

Afrikaans: Klipdagga

Minaret Flower

Leonotis ocymifolia

Scientific name

Leonotis ocymifolia has the same growth habit as the well-known Leonotus leonuris. The leaves of this species however are toothed and almost rounded and the flowers larger and more robust.

This plant is used interchangeably with the medicinal wild dagga.

Also known as Rooidagga

Propagation instructions

By seed

The seeds should be sown in spring or early summer into a finely sifted seedling mix comprised of equal parts finely graded decomposed bark, compost, loam and fine sand. The mixture is prepared in seed trays to a fine tilth and pressed down evenly and firmly, watered and drained. Seed is then sown directly onto the damp surface of the medium and very lightly covered with the same mixture or with fine sand. Fungicidal treatment is not usually necessary for this species. Trays should be kept warm but not in direct sun and watered daily until the seedlings begin to emerge, at which point watering can be reduced to three or four times per week. The seed germinates usually within two to three weeks and seedlings can be planted out into individual containers once they are large enough to handle >20 mm (ca. four weeks).

By cutting

Joffe (2003) gives instructions on dividing clumps: 'Using a spade, lift the clump. Divide, and chop away the older less vigorous looking sections. Replant newer, healthier-looking portions immediately into a well-prepared bed; don't leave clumps lying out in the sun for a long period of time. Water thoroughly immediately thereafter, and carefully for a couple of months until the plants are well established again' .

Young plants can be planted out into well composted and prepared perennial flower beddings once they are approx. 300-400 mm high. Cover the soil with a thick layer of organic mulch and water well during the active growing season. Seedlings given suitable conditions can flower in their first or second growing season.