33 



crowded in distant axillary whorls. Corolla almost 

 smooth ; bracts awl-shaped. Calyx ribbed, with 10 

 setaceous, pointed teeth. 



This plant, the whole of which is covered \\\i\\ soft 

 hairs, bears an affinity to, and possesses the medical pro- 

 perties of the European Horehound (Marruhiuni vulgare. 

 Lin.). It has an aromatic, bitter taste, and as a tonic, 

 discutient, and expectorant, decoctions and infusions of its 

 leaves are often successfully employed in chronic puhiionary 

 diseases, obstinate coughs, and particularly in asthmatic 

 affections. The colonists know this plant as Katte-kruiden* 

 (Cat-herbs). 



LEONOTIS. R. Br. 



CLabiatce.^ 



XIV. — 1. DIDYNAMIA GYMNOSPERMIA. LIN. SYST. 



75. Leonotis LeonitriLS. R. Br. Stem shrubby, 5 

 feet high. Branches tomentose. Leaves oblongo- 

 lanccolate, whorled, obtuse, serrate from the middle 

 to the apex, narrowed at base, slightly shaggy beneath. 

 Flowers in crowded axillary whorls. Calyx dentate, 

 pubescent. Bracts linear-lanceolate, acute, shorter 

 than the calyx. Corolla tube-shaped, curved, densely 

 hairy, bright orange, or rarely buff. 



This plant, the Wild Dagga, is, on account of its 

 beautiful flowers, a fine garden ornament. It grows wikl 

 in the sandy Cape Flats, and often at the roadside. It 

 has a peculiar scent and a nauseous taste, and seems to 

 produce narcotic effects if incautiously used. It is em- 

 ployed in the form of decoction in chronic cutaneous erup- 

 tions, and may be tried even in cases of leprosy. The 

 usual dose is a wineglass-full three or four times a-day. 

 The Hottentots are particularly fond of this plant, and 

 smoke it instead of tobacco, and take a decoction of its 

 leaves as a strong purgative ; they likewise give it as an 

 emmenagogue in amenorrhoea. In the Eastern districts, 

 the Leonotis ovata is used for the same purpose. 



* In the famous trial of C. A. van dcr Merwe for the niurclor ot Ins 

 wife (1838), this herb has been represented (but erroneously) by s 

 medical witness as navcotic 



