Statue of Unity – Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat Rain Forest Ektanagar

Orthosiphon aristatus

Syn. Orthosiphon spiralis

IUCN Red List Not Evaluated (NE)

Local name

  • Kidney Tea Plant (English)
  • Poochameesa (Malayalam)

Shrub type

Evergreen Deciduous
Family: Lamiaceae
1m

Indicated uses

Medicinal Edible Ornamental Avenue Other

Flowering & fruiting

Flowering Fruiting

Key characters

Orthosiphon aristatus bark

Bark

Stems are green, quadrangular and somewhat hairy when young; lower portions may become slightly woody with age.

Orthosiphon aristatus leaves

Leaves

Leaves are simple, dark green and glossy, ovate, 3–16 cm long, with serrated margins and distinct venation, arranged oppositely on square, purplish stems.

Orthosiphon aristatus flower

Flower

Flowers are white to pale purple, borne in terminal clusters, with long, thread-like stamens extending up to 7.5 cm, resembling cat’s whiskers.

Orthosiphon aristatus fruit / seeds

Fruit / Seeds

Fruit consists of four small nutlets; nutlets are brownish and enclosed within the persistent calyx.

Orthosiphon aristatus

Did you know?

It is widely known as “Java Tea” and has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia, particularly in herbal preparations associated with kidney and urinary health.

Distribution

World map showing distribution

Tropical & Subtropical Asia to N. Australia.