Orthosiphon aristatus

Orthosiphon aristatus

Orthosiphon aristatus

Cat's Whiskers, Java Tea

Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Orthosiphon (or-tho-SY-fon)
Species: aristatus (a-ris-TAH-tus)

Synonym: Ocimum aristatum

Synonym:Orthosiphon stamineus

Category:
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Spacing:
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color:
Light Blue
Violet/Lavender
White/Near White

Bloom Time:
Late Summer/Early Fall

Foliage:
Herbaceous

Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information:
Non-patented

Propagation Methods:
From softwood cuttings

Seed Collecting:
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry



Orthosiphon stamineus is a traditional herb that is widely grown in tropical areas. The two general species, Orthosiphon stamineus "purple" and Orthosiphon stamineus "white" are traditionally used to treat diabetes, kidney and urinary disorders, high blood pressure and bone or muscular pain.

Also known as Java tea, it was possibly introduced to the west in the early 20th century. Misai Kucing is popularly consumed as a herbal tea. The brewing of Java tea is similar to that for other teas. It is soaked in hot boiling water for about three minutes, and honey or milk is then added. It can be easily prepared as garden tea from the dried leaves. There are quite a number of commercial products derived from Misai Kucing.

Sinensetin is a polyphenol found in Orthosiphon stamineus.


Sinensetin is a methylated flavone. It can be found in Orthosiphon stamineus