Orthosiphon aristatus aka Cat's Whiskers

Orthosiphon aristatus, or Java tea, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range spans tropical and subtropical Asia to northern Australia. It grows as a perennial subshrub or shrub. The plant has an upright form. One reference lists its height as 3.3 feet [1 metre]. A broader account gives 0.8–6.6 feet [0.25–2 metres]. Growers raise it for medicinal leaves and sometimes for ornament.

This plant comes from regions with a wet tropical climate. It grows beside forests, in thickets, and among new growth. It also occurs in grassland and along roads. Wild plants often occupy shaded sites where soil stays moist. They also grow in sunny places. These records suggest some tolerance of sun and shade. The supplied sources give no firm garden light requirement. They also give no frost limits or hardiness zones.

Leaves form the main crop grown for herbal use. Harvest can begin eight to ten weeks after planting. This stage often marks the start of flowering. Workers pick four to ten leaves from shoot tips. They repeat the harvest every two to three weeks. Small growers dry the leaves in the sun. Larger farms may use controlled drying instead. Leaves first wilt in air, then dry with heat. The dried crop should stay green and have a clear scent. Excess heat or contact with metal can darken it.

Growers can raise new plants from seed or stem cuttings. Cuttings measure about 0.5–0.7 feet [0.15–0.20 metres] and need buds. Growers often place them in shade while they establish. They may plant several cuttings together in one hole. Planting often starts when the rainy season begins. Nursery-raised cuttings may spend about 45 days there before planting out. The plant has escaped gardens and established itself in some areas. Its weed potential deserves notice where growers introduce it.

Java tea has a long-standing herbal role in Southeast Asia. Growers also export its leaves to Europe and elsewhere. People use the leaves alone or with other herbs. Research cited by Useful Tropical Plants supports a diuretic effect. That means leaf preparations can increase urine output. This medicinal use does not establish an ordinary food use. The same source lists no known edible uses or hazards. Its hazard entry does not prove safety for people or pets.