Cordao aka. Klip Dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia)

Cordão, or Klip Dagga, is a superb, sun-loving perennial that commands attention with its dense, spiky clusters of orange tubular flowers. Native to southern Africa, this plant has earned a spot in both ornamental and traditional gardens thanks to its bold appearance and its fascinating cultural significance. The jagged, lance-shaped leaves and towering spikes create an almost architectural structure in the garden, while the fiery blooms draw pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.

Today, Klip Dagga is primarily grown for its ornamental beauty and unique fragrance, but the leaves and flowers have a long history of use in ceremonial practices. Indigenous cultures would often brew the leaves into infusions or use them in rituals, appreciating their fragrant qualities and the role they played in cultural traditions. While it’s not commonly cultivated for medicinal use in the modern world, the plant’s rich heritage gives it an air of mysticism and connection to ancient practices.

Cordão has found its place in contemporary gardens, especially in xeriscapes or Mediterranean-style plantings, where it thrives in dry, well-drained soils. The plant’s resilience and vivid color make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add both drama and wildlife value to their landscapes.

Cordão has foundits place in contemporary gardens, especially in xeriscapes or Mediterranean-style plantings, where it thrives in dry, well-drained soils. The plant’s resilience and vivid color make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add both drama and wildlife value to their landscapes.