Contents
Description
Piper Capense, also known as “Klip Dagga” or “Lion’s Ear,” is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, but it is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. Piper Capense is a popular garden plant because of its attractive flowers and foliage, as well as its medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Piper |
Appearance
Piper Capense has a bushy growth habit and can reach a height of up to 2 meters. Its leaves are dark green, ovate, and serrated. The plant produces clusters of tubular flowers that are orange-red in color and have a velvety texture. The flowers are about 2.5 cm long and bloom from summer to early autumn. The fruit of Piper Capense is a small, round capsule that contains many tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Piper Capense is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive.
Water
The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but the soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Feed Piper Capense with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.
Sunlight
Piper Capense thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Piper Capense is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Piper Capense is relatively pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Some common pests that may affect the plant include spider mites and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant clean and well-ventilated, and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Piper Capense is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, where it grows in open woods, fields, and along roadsides. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Piper Capense toxic?
A: No, Piper Capense is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: How often should I fertilize Piper Capense?
A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Piper Capense be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Piper Capense can be grown in containers as long as the pot has good drainage.
Q: Does Piper Capense have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Piper Capense has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and sore throat.
Related Plants
- Piper betle
- Piper nigrum
- Piper longum
- Piper methysticum
References
- “Piper Capense.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=q420.
- “Piper Capense.” Plants of the World Online. powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:449922-1.
- “Piper Capense (L.) Kunth.” The Plant List. www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-156713.
