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Cat's whiskers

Orthosiphon aristatus

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameCat's whiskers

DescriptionDistinctive medicinal herb featuring delicate white or pale purple flowers with extraordinarily long stamens extending 1-2 inches beyond petals, resembling cat's whiskers. The two-lipped tubular flowers bloom in terminal spikes above aromatic foliage. Widely cultivated in Southeast Asia for traditional medicine, particularly as 'Java Tea' for kidney and urinary tract health, and valued as ornamental for its unique, whimsical appearance in tropical and subtropical gardens.

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusOrthosiphon

TribeOcimeae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ K(5) C(5) A4 G(2)

Ebracteate (no bracts), bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming calyx tube, 5 fused petals forming two-lipped corolla, 4 stamens in 2 pairs (didynamous, 2 long + 2 short), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary deeply 4-lobed

Features

Name 'Orthosiphon' from Greek 'orthos' (straight) and 'siphon' (tube) referring to straight corolla tube. 'Aristatus' means 'bearded' or 'awned.' Common names 'Cat's Whiskers' and 'Kumis Kucing' (Malay) describe long, whisker-like stamens. 'Java Tea' refers to traditional use in Indonesia
Small tubular flowers 0.5-1 inch (1-2 cm) long with two-lipped (bilabiate) corolla. Four stamens extend dramatically 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) beyond petals like whiskers. Flowers white, pale lavender, or purple, arranged in terminal racemes 4-8 inches long
Herbaceous perennial shrub that blooms nearly year-round in tropical climates, primarily summer through fall (June-November) in subtropical areas. Fast-growing, reaching mature size in one season. Member of mint family with square stems and opposite leaves
Grows 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall with 2-3 foot (60-90 cm) spread. Lifespan of 3-5 years. Propagated easily from softwood cuttings (root in 2-3 weeks) or seeds. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness
Native to Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and southern China. Found in moist, shaded areas along forest edges and stream banks. Widely cultivated throughout tropical Asia for medicinal use
Adapts to full sun or partial shade (prefers afternoon shade in hot climates). Requires consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Thrives in heat and humidity. Water regularly; wilts dramatically if allowed to dry but recovers quickly. Frost tender
Leaves used to make Java Tea (Teh Kumis Kucing), traditional remedy for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and as diuretic. Contains rosmarinic acid and other bioactive compounds. Attracts butterflies and bees. Deer resistant. Popular ornamental in tropical gardens for unique flower form

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificOrthosiphon aristatus

English (Alternate)Orthosiphon aristatus, Java Tea, Kidney Tea Plant, Kumis Kucing, Misai Kucing, Kitty Whiskers

Hindiमुतरी तुलसी (mutaree tulasee)

Tamilபூனை மீசை (Poonai Meesai)

Teluguపూచా మీస (Poocha Meesa), పూనై మీస (Poonai Meesa)

Malayalamപൂച്ചമീശ (poochameesha)

Kannadaಪೂಚಾ ಮೀಶಾ (Pūcā mīśā), ಮುತ್ರಪಿಂಡ ಗಿಡ (Mutrapiṇḍa giḍa)

Sanskritअर्जकः (arjakah), मार्जारस्मस्रु (marjaarasmasru)

Bengaliজাভার চা (Jabar Cha), বেঁওফা (Beonfa), লাবনিককার (Labonikkar), পোনাই মেষাই (Poonai Meesai)

FrenchMoustaches de chat

RussianКошачий ус (koshachiy us)

Spanishbigotes de gato

GermanJavateepflanze, Katzenbart

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.