Lion's ear is a very common South African wildflower. The leaves are used as a folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism, bronchitis, and asthma and laboratory studies on the plant compounds it contains show a proven effect. One of it's local language names - klipdagga, meaning rock cannabis, alludes to hallucinogenic properties although most people who have tried it have put it in the "don't bother" category.
It is a very tall plant, easily reaching 1.5 - 2m tall and flowers in winter and summer and it commonly attracts sunbirds that perch on the stems and sip nectar from the tubular flowers with their long, curved beaks
Nice poste thank you for sharing
It’s crazy to think about how many plants people must have eaten, smoked, ingested, etc. over history to find out what will make you hallucinate or heal you or whatever. Very beautiful picture and cool that it flowers in the winter also.
It is, but I think that animal behaviour was carefully studied first before people tried it because humans who live as hunter-gatherers are acutely aware of how toxic some plants are
I agree, I always just picture Indigenous people thousands of years ago trying to survive, eating new fruits, plants, and animals and having to learn the hard way what is going to kill you and what’s not.
Plants do warn those that eat them with taste and smell cues and the general rule is to ingest only a very small amount, wait and hour or two to check the effects before consuming any more
Very informative.... your teaching me some life lessons over here. I’m glad I follow you.
hahaha they look like crabs, especially the big one.
These are cool looking
They are spectacular
I have never seen anything like it, what cool looking cylindrical heads that the flowers rise from. Are these heads packed with seeds?
Are sun birds tiny or is this a genral term for birds themselves sunning?
Yes, the spiky heads will have tiny heads inside. Some sunbirds are tiny, most others are around finch or sparrow sizes and the males are very brightly coloured. Apparently you get them in Northern Australia
we get here in nsw all types the size of finches.
They are verry cute
oh cool! I haven't seen this one before. But it definitely looks like a plant the hummers would like! :) Used to have a hummingbird feeder and they sure a fun to watch
We don't get hummingbirds here, all our nectar drinkers perch and the flowers that they pollinate are adapted to allow that. Flower stems are sturdy and clear of leaves and other obstacles for the bird's feet. But hummers would like it
Very useful and interesting information. I love the photo and the sharp focus. The colors are also very nice. Excellent work.
Thank you!
You wellcome. It was pleasure to read your article as always :) The best things is that everyday I learn something new because of you. Thank you :)
Very beautiful photo! I really like the combination of colors! Nature is gorgeous! From this photo it would have turned out a beautiful oil painting!
Do you paint?
Yes
Gosh...how very interesting:) I don't think I have seen this plant/blooms before...love the vivid orange...:) good vibes!!
Thanks for the infos
OMG!
I very like this because that's vwry beautiful🍃🍃🍃
nice photos
This is beautiful!
How beautiful and beneficial is nature.Very nice photo.Thanks for informations...