Lamium maculatum
Lamium maculatum (also known as spotted dead-nettle, spotted henbit and purple dragon) is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family of Lamiaceae. It is a native throughout Europe and temperate Asia (Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Africa, western China). This species is very variable in terms of leaf size and shape, hairiness and flower colours. It reaches on average 20–80 centimetres (7.9–31.5 in) in height.
In Nigeria, it is believed to have the efficacy and potency of nutralizing the venom of a poisonious snake on anyone bitten by the snake, no wonder it is called 'snake leave' in Ibibio language of Nigeria.
The flowers of the plant are formed in the leaf axils of the upper leaf pairs. The upper lips of the flowers are helmet-shaped, usually pink or purplish, while the bilobate lower ones are whitish with purple dots. The stamens are located in the upper lip and have orange pollen. The flowering period extends from April through November.
I stumbled on it when I visited my uncle in Essien Udim Lical Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. In fact, it grows tender and more adorable to the eyes in its natural habitat servicing as a cure for snake bite and a means of income to those who have it.
Join me to enjoy its beatiful greenwhite look!