Orthosiphon aristatus

Orthosiphon aristatus

Orthosiphon aristatus is a plant species in the family of Lamiaceae / Labiatae. The plant is a medicinal herb found mainly throughout southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia and tropical Queensland. Cats whiskers is related to mint although it does not have a mint smell to it has a square stem that gives a clue to its relationship to mint and the leaves are made into a tea called java tea.

The flowers are pollinated by Butterflies, Bees and Hummingbirds.  Here in Hawaii a small moth called a Sphinx moth, that looks like a small Hummingbird pollinates the flowers.

Cats whisker plants are native to Africa, South East Asia and Australia.  The plant is widely known to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine practices and in modern medicine, the extract from this plant is used to treat cancer.

The leaves are used to treat Respiratory problems, High blood pressure, Gout, Kidney and Bladder problems, Gum problems and weight loss.  It is an antifungal and antibiotic.  It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

The cat’s whiskers plant can be found in the garden on the boardwalk just above the Rain shelter.