Cordao (Klipp Dagga)

Cordão (Klipp Dagga) – Leonotis nepetifolia

Cordão, also known as Klipp Dagga or Lion’s Ear, is a fast-growing annual or short-lived perennial herb native to tropical Africa but widely naturalized throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Asia. In traditional herbal medicine, particularly in the Caribbean, Mexico, and parts of South America, it has a long-standing reputation as a respiratory remedy and calming agent. With its striking whorled orange blooms and tall upright form, it’s also an ornamental standout for pollinator gardens and tropical-style landscapes.

This plant thrives in hot, sunny climates with well-draining soils and can reach impressive heights in a single season. Cordão is valued not just for its medicinal properties, but for its ecological benefits—its nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators.

Key Characteristics

• Traditional Medicinal Uses (Leaves and Flowers)
  Cordão is widely used in traditional Caribbean and Latin American medicine as a tea or infusion made from the leaves and flowers. It is valued for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory-supporting effects, often used to soothe coughs, bronchial conditions, and fevers.

• Pollinator Magnet for Hummingbirds and Bees
  The tubular orange flowers are a rich nectar source, especially popular with hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Plant it as a nectar anchor to bring in pollinators throughout the warm months.

• Fast-Growing Annual for Quick Structure and Impact
  Reaching up to 6–10 feet in one season, Cordão adds vertical interest and tropical flair to herbal gardens, back borders, or open sunny beds. Its rapid growth makes it a great seasonal option for filling gaps or establishing a medicinal garden in its first year.

• Useful in Tropical and Subtropical Medicinal Herb Gardens
  While not frost-hardy, it reseeds readily in warm climates and can be grown as an annual in temperate zones. Integrates well into ethnobotanical gardens, tropical herb spirals, and Caribbean-inspired plantings.

Product Details

• Native range: Tropical Africa; naturalized in Caribbean and Central America

• Plant life cycle: Annual or short-lived perennial (zone-dependent)

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Medium to medium-dry, well-draining

• Mature height: 6–10 ft

• Bloom time: Summer to frost

• Bloom color: Bright orange

• USDA Hardiness zones: 9–11 (grown as annual in cooler zones)

Cordão (Klipp Dagga) is a beloved tropical herb for both its traditional medicinal use and its showy, pollinator-friendly blooms. A perfect choice for herbalists looking to grow a reliable respiratory remedy, or gardeners wanting a vibrant, fast-growing annual that draws in hummingbirds like a magnet.