Lion's Ear (400mm diameter)

Leonoti leonurus is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and part of the mint family. It is commonly known as Lion’s Ear, referring to the fringed or hairy upper lip of each velvety flower, which resembles a lions’ ear. Blooms are placed in abundant whorls along the stems of the plant, reminding me of explosions or fireworks. The base of the flowers is filled with sweet nectar, attracting bees, moths butterflies, and sunbirds.

These plants grow happily along contour path around Lion’s Head.

I love the word play of Lion’s ear growing on Lion’s head! When considering this on a deeper level, I feel close to the Lion of Juda when walking on this Capetonian mountain route – contemplating “gehoorsaamheid” (an Afrikaans word referring to hearing and listening) meaning obedience.