Inflorescence of Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus
Cat’s whiskers seems like a fitting common name for this taxon. Another name is Java tea, which gives hints to both its native distribution (tropical Asia and Queensland) and how it is consumed as a medicine.
Tea made from the leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus, is, at a minimum, a diuretic. The National Parks Board of Singapore summarizes the ethnobotanical uses of Java tea:
It is mainly taken to stimulate urination. According to Indonesian and Malaysian folk medicine, bladder or kidney pain, gout, rheumatism and arteriosclerosis can be treated by drinking a decoction of leaves boiled in water. In Vietnamese folk medicine, a plant infusion is used to treat influenza, hepatits, rheumatism, jaundice and fever, as well as stimulating urination. In India, this plant is used to treat diabetes in combination with the herb Andrographis paniculata.
References associated with some of these claims can be found in the Useful Tropical Plants database: Orthosiphon aristatus.
Orthosiphon means a straight tube (a reference to the united base of the corolla), while aristate is the property of having an awn or beard.
Making the slang term “Java” for coffee more confusing.
The tea is widely available now. I tried one teapot of it but never opened the packet again. It was not pleasant and much more expensive than more pleasant teas.
Goodness, if you’re diabetic, a diuretic might not cut it!
What a beautiful image of a beautiful plant. Well done!
What an absolutely beautiful plant. Is there a plant in our part of the world that would compare?
Wendy Burke, Campbell River, B.C. Canada.
Redwhisker clammyweed is more spectacular.
https://botanyphoto.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/2017/08/polanisia-dodecandra/
Reminds me of the Mexican Bird of Paradise.
Di Higginson
We have the O. labiatus & O. serratus ( Shell Bush) in pink & mauve colours. Leaves very aromatic even unpleasant . Lovely garden plants. Indigenous & also in Zimbabwe .
As a cat lover, I have aways liked this plant. However, I have never looked for it to grow having read that it is not hardy in my area of Ohio.