Cat's beard

Cat's beard, also known as Orthosiphon spicatus, is a plant of the genus Orthosiphon, within the Lamiaceae family. Its main distribution area is in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and northeastern Australia.

Phytotherapeutically, the dried leaves and branch tips(Orthosiphonis folium) are used, also called Indian kidney tea or Java tea.

Orthosiphon spicatus is a perennial and herbaceous plant with often thick roots. Its opposite leaves are of simple and serrated shape. The terminal inflorescences have between two and twelve hermaphroditic flowers, with five white or reddish, prominent petals.

Orthosiphon spicatus is the parent plant of Orthosiphonis folium, the cut and dried leaves of the plant.