Lion’s ear (Leonotis leonurus)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br.
Common name(s):	lion’s ear

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

Light, med., well drained soils in an open sunny position (Bodkin 1986). Occurs among rocks in grassland (PLAF 2009). Amongst medium trees, low (Sclerophyll) shrubland, grassland, in sand, clay, occupying swamps, damp areas in suburban reserves, growing in wasteland, in disturbed natural vegetation (Fbase 2009). Coastal areas (Spencer 2002). Bushland (RNSW 2009); Over grazed pasture (Richardson et al. 2006). Scrubland (FLDA 2009), Frost hardy, summer water requirement (FLDA 2009). Serious creekline weed in the NT (Hussey et al. 1997).

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Pasture dryland; pasture irrigated

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; swampy scrub; riparian; riverine woodland/forest; chenopod shrubland

Colours indicate possibility of Leonotis leonurus infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1.5 m wide (PLAF 2009). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). High nuisance value. People and/or vehicles access with difficulty.	MH	MH
2. Reduce tourism?	Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009).Fishing/ access to water bodies restricted. Some recreational uses affected.	MH	MH
3. Injurious to people?	No spines, burrs, thorns and not toxic as it has been consumed for millennia in herbal remedies (FLDA 2009). No effect, no prickles, no injuries.	L	MH
4. Damage to cultural sites?	Does not have a strong root system - Underground structure: consists of a main tap root (RNSW 2009). Therefore unlikely to cause structural damage. Moderate visual effect.	ML	MH
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	Become top heavy, branches fall over in strong wind (TGCZ 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Likely to be able to reduce surface flow. Minor impact on surface or subsurface flow either by roots or free floating aquatics.	ML	MH
6. Impact water quality?	Robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1.5 m wide (PLAF 2009). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Noticeable but minor effects in either dissolved 02 or light levels.	ML	MH
7. Increase soil erosion?	Underground structure: consists of a main tap root (RNSW 2009). Returning year after year from running root stocks and vigorously reseeds itself (PFSW 2009). Not enough information.	M	L
8. Reduce biomass?	Robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1.5 m wide (PLAF 2009). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Fast growing (PLAF 2009). Grows rapidly 3-6’ tall in one season (MBT 2009). Likely to increase biomass especially as it often grows in open areas. (PLAF 2009; Fbase 2009; RNSW 2009).	L	M
9. Change fire regime?	Not enough information.	M	L
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Sedge Wetland (V); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion = Glenelg Plain; VH CLIMATE potential. Lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia ) is another weed likely to become much more serious in the region (SAVN 2009). Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Naturalised in and surrounding bushland areas (RNSW 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). - Very little displacement of any indigenous species, sparse scattered infestations.	L	H
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Grassy Dry Forest (D); CMA = Goulburn Broken; Bioregion = Goldfields; VH CLIMATE potential. Lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia ) is another weed likely to become much more serious in the region (SAVN 2009). Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Naturalised in and surrounding bushland areas (RNSW 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). - Minor displacement of dominant or indicator species within any one stata/layer (e.g. ground cover, forbs, shrubs and trees).	ML	H
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Heathy Woodland (LC); CMA = West Gippsland; Bioregion = Gippsland Plain; VH CLIMATE potential. Lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia ) is another weed likely to become much more serious in the region (SAVN 2009). Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Naturalised in and surrounding bushland areas (RNSW 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). - Very little displacement of any indigenous species, sparse scattered infestations.	L	H
11. Impact on structure?	Lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia ) is another weed likely to become much more serious in the region (SAVN 2009). Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Naturalised in and surrounding bushland areas (RNSW 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Minor effect on >60% of the layers or major effect on < 60% of the floral strata.	MH	MH
12. Effect on threatened flora?	Lion's tail (Leonotis nepetifolia ) is another weed likely to become much more serious in the region (SAVN 2009). Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Naturalised in and surrounding bushland areas (RNSW 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). No information for threatened species, but described as a serious weed (Hussey et al. 1997; SAVN 2009).	M	M
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	Excellent plant for attracting wildlife to your garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies (PLAF 2009). Not toxic, no spines, burrs thorns (FADA 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Likely to reduce food availability/ habitat. Minor effects on threatened spp.; minor hazard or reduction in habitat/food/ shelter.	ML	M
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Excellent plant for attracting wildlife to your garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies (PLAF 2009). Not toxic, no spines, burrs thorns (FADA 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). May reduce food availability/ habitat. Minor effects on fauna spp.; minor hazard or reduction in habitat/food/ shelter.	ML	M
15. Benefits fauna?	Excellent plant for attracting wildlife to your garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies (PLAF 2009). Provides an important alternative food source and/or harbour to desirable species.	ML	M
16. Injurious to fauna?	Not toxic, no spines, burrs, thorns (FLDA 2009). No effect.	L	MH
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	Excellent plant for attracting wildlife to your garden as the flowers profuse copious nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies (PLAF 2009). Likely to provide food for insect pests, and as it is an important food source for insects so these insects will be food for pests such as blackbirds. Supplies food for one or more minor pest spp.(eg. blackbirds or environmental insect pests).	ML	MH
18. Provides harbour?	Robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1.5 m wide (PLAF 2009). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Likely to provide overnight shelter for bush rabbits. Capacity to harbour rabbits or foxes at low densities or as overnight cover.	MH	MH
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	Grows in grassy areas (FLDA 2009). Robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1.5 m wide (PLAF 2009). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Not toxic (FLDA 2009). Not likely to cause stock death and not reported as a weed of crops but is reported as a weed of disturbed soils (RNSW 2009). Unlikely to reduce yield. Little or negligible affect on quantity of yield.	ML	ML
20. Impact quality?	Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Robust shrub which grows up to 2-3 m tall and 1.5 m wide (PLAF 2009). Forms dense thickets (TGH 2009). Deer tolerant: No (UCDavis 2009). Serious creek line weed in Northern territory (Hussey et al. 1997). Deer tolerant: No (UCDavis 2009). May reduce grazing land quality and restrict access to water bodies. Not reported as a weed of crops but is reported as a weed of disturbed soils (RNSW 2009).Likely to have at least minor to moderate affect on livestock quality. Minor impact on quality of produce (eg < 5% reduction).	ML	M
21. Affect land value?	Not enough information.	M	L
22. Change land use?	Not enough information.	M	L
23. Increase harvest costs?	Leonotis leonurus is an environmental weed in the City of Randwick NSW, where definition of environmental weed is that they are often harmful to the environment, very persistent and expensive to control (RNSW 2009). Not listed as an agricultural weed but grows in grassland (FLDA 2009). Control is likely to increase production costs. Minor increase in cost of harvesting – eg slightly more time or labour is required.	ML	M
24. Disease host/vector?	No serious insect or disease problems, watch for white flies & spider mites, especially on over wintering plants (MBT 2009). Provides host to minor (or common) pests, or diseases.	ML	MH

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	It is very easy to grow (PLAF 2009). Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/summer temperatures for germination.	MH	MH
2. Establishment requirements?	It is common and widespread throughout South Africa and grows amongst rocks in grassland (PLAF 2009). Amongst medium trees, low (sclerophyll) shrubland, grassland; in sand, clay; occupying swamps, damp areas in suburban reserves; growing on wasteland, in disturbed natural vegetation (Fbase 2009). Naturalised in coastal areas of WA and NSW (Spencer 2002). “Lions tail is a weed which prefers to grow in full sun/ part shade, typically in areas with disturbed soil conditions (RNSW 2009). Naturalised in and surrounding bushland areas (RNSW 2009). Can establish under moderate canopy/litter cover.	MH	M
3. How much disturbance is required?	In the villages they've escaped from gardens and grow weedily along roadsides (BYN 2009). Disturbed sites in the Kimberley region (Hussey et al. 1997). Weed of overgrazed pasture and wasteland (Richardson et al. 2006). Grows in grassy areas, scrubland (FLDA 2009). Establishes in relatively intact or only minor disturbed natural ecosystems (eg. wetlands, riparian, riverine, grasslands, open woodlands); in vigorously growing crops or in well-established pastures.	ML	MH
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Perennial shrub up to 2 m tall (RNSW 2009). Other.	L	H
5. Allelopathic properties?	None mentioned in literature.	M	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	Deer tolerant: No (UCDavis 2009). Lion’s ear can be pruned back heavily (FLDA 2009). Conflicting information.	M	L
7. Normal growth rate?	Fast growing (PLAF 2009). Grows rapidly 3-6’ tall in one season (MBT 2009). Exceeds similar life form.	H	MH
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	Frost hardy; It should be well watered in summer (PLAF 2009). Doesn’t tolerate water logging (UCDA 2009). Once established drought tolerant – when frost occurs it loses its leaves but recovers (FLDA 2009). Fairly salt tolerant (FLDA 2009). Highly tolerant of at least two of drought, frost, fire, waterlogging, and salinity, and may be tolerant of another. Susceptible to at least one.	MH	MH
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	Returning year after year from running root stocks and vigorously reseeds itself (PFSW 2009). Both vegetative and sexual reproduction (vegetative reproduction may be via cultivation, but not propagation).	H	MH
10. Number of propagules produced?	Flowers profusely in autumn (PLAF 2009). The plant’s potential to produce large amounts of seed aids this plants dispersal (RNSW 2009). Guess as it spreads rapidly and can form monospecific stands (TGH 2009) more than 1000 seeds will be produced.	MH	M
11. Propagule longevity?	Not enough information.	M	L
12. Reproductive period?	Need to be replaced about every five years (TGCZ 2009). Take a long time to flower (UCDA 2009). Returning year after year from running root stocks and vigorously reseeds itself (PFSW 2009). Species forms self-sustaining monocultures.	H	MH
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	It takes a long time to flower (BYN 2009). No information on how long it takes to produce new individuals from root stock. 2-5 years to reach sexual maturity, or for vegetative propagules to become separate individuals.	ML	M
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	Cultivation in Europe since the 1600's (FLDA 2009). It is not clear how this plant spreads. Seed on dumped material may be responsible for its initial spread into bushland and sand dunes (SHHV 2009). Propagules spread by wind, water, attachment (humans, animals, or vehicles), or accidental human dispersal (ploughing).	MH	MH
15. How far do they disperse?	Seed on dumped material may be responsible for its initial spread into bushland and sand dunes (SHHV 2009). Flowers profusely in autumn (PLAF 2009). The plant’s potential to produce large amounts of seed aids this plants dispersal (RNSW 2009). Possibly moved long distances by humans. Few propagules will disperse greater than one kilometre but many will reach 200-1,000 metres.	MH	M

References

BYN (2009) Back Yard Nature. Available at http://www.backyardnature.net/q/leonotis.htm (verified 05/2009).

FBASE (2009) Florabase: Leonotis leonurus. Available at http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/6880 (verified 05/2009).

FLDA (2009) Floridata: Leonotis leonurus. Available at http://floridata.com/ref/l/leon_leo.cfm (verified 05/2009).

Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Cousens, R.D., Dodd J. and Lloyd S.G. (1997) Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. Weed Society of WA

MBT (2009) Mobot – Gardening help: Leonotis leonurus. Available at http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A525 (verified 05/2009).

PFSW (2009) Perrenials for the South West – by Mary Irish. Google Books. Available athttp://books.google.com.au/books?id=Be8KS9uok7cC&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=Leonotis+leonurus&source=bl&ots=OCdsaPkl3c&sig=LerYatDlkOTVt2utR0t9jvEUwA&hl=en&ei=TIMbSp_eFcuSkAXX-PTnDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10#PPA173,M1 (verified 05/2009).

PLAF (2009) Plants Africa.com. Leonotis leonurus. Available at http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/leonotisleon.htm (verified 05/2009).

RNSW (2009) Radwick City Council, NSW. Environmental weeds profile. Leonotis leonurus. Available at
http://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/14/97.pdf&siteID=1&str_title=Lions%20Tail%20Brochure.pdf (verified 05/2009).

SAVN (2009) Savanna.org. North Australian information resource: weeds. Available at http://www.savanna.org.au/vs/vs_weeds.html (verified 05/2009).

SHHV (2009) Shoal haven: Grow me instead, protecting our bushland. NSW.gov. Available at http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/environment/GrowMeInstead.pdf (verified 05/2009)

TGCZ (2009) thegardener.co.za: Leonotis leonurus. Available at http://www.thegardener.co.za/feature3_dec.html (verified 05/2009).

TGH (2009) The Garden Helper. Available at http://www.thegardenhelper.com/cgi-bin/ubb/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/69/1579.html (verified 05/2009).

UCDA (2009) UCDavis - Leonotis leonurus. Available at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/datastore/datastoreview/showpage.cfm?usernumber=126&surveynumber=424 (verified 05/2009).

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2008) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at
http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 17/02/2009).

Department of the Environment and Heritage (Commonwealth of Australia). (1993 – On-going) Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) http://www.cpbr.gov.au/apni/index.html (verified 07/05/2009).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 17/02/2009).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (2009). Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 07/05/2009).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2009) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (viewed 17/02/2009).

United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. Taxonomy Query. (2009) Available at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxgenform.pl (verified 26/03/2009).

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