Orthosiphon

The orthosiphon is a perennial plant with erect growth habit of about 30-60 cm, belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Also called Java tea, this plant is characterized by light green diamond leaves on the lower side and dark green on the upper side. In spring, its square stem carries beautiful white or lilac bilabiated flowers with remarkable long stamens. The length of its stamens, which project beyond the petals, has earned the nickname of "cat mustaches" to this plant. The orthosiphon comes from Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It grows mainly in wet areas.