Orthosiphon stamineus

Java Tea, Cat's Whiskers, Kidney Tea Plant

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Spirituality can only come by opening of the mind, vital and physical to the inmost soul, to the higher Self, to the Divine, and their subordination to the spiritual forces and instrumentation as channels of the inner light, the higher Knowledge and Power.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - I: Spiritual Evolution and the Supramental

All perfection of which the outer man is capable, is only a realising of the eternal perfection of the Spirit within him. We know the Divine and become the Divine, because we are That already in our secret nature.

Sri Aurobindo, The Synthesis of Yoga - I: The Four Aids

Colour

White or pale purple with distinctive long stamens.

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Spiritual Intensity

The Mother’s Comment

It is an intensity without violence. The ardour it gives you is expressed without grand gestures and big words.

Colour

Rose purple

Message of the Flower

Aspiration for Spiritual Intensity

The Mother’s Comment

Bold, elegant, obstinate.

Colour

White, pale lavender

Family

Lamiaceae

Cultivars

Limited known cultivars.

Person who named the flower

The species was initially described by Benth.

Flower Size

Small, typically a few centimeters long.

Flower Texture

Delicate and soft.

Number of Petals

Five, forming a tubular shape.

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant.

Leaf Texture

Slightly rough, serrated edges.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous perennial shrub.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Blooms throughout the year in tropical climates.

Climate

Prefers tropical and subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Moderate, prefers well-drained soil.

Soil Type

Adaptable to a variety of soils, prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Temperature Ranges

Warm temperatures, not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Can be susceptible to common garden pests and fungal diseases.

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects.

Habitat

Native to Southeast Asia; cultivated in gardens and farms in tropical regions.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators; used in traditional medicine.

Ornamental

Grown for its attractive flowers and medicinal properties.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily medicinal and ornamental.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered.