Indian catmint
Anisomeles indica

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It has a bad smell. The leaves are broadly oval and 4-9 cm long by 3-7 cm wide. They have a white coating underneath. The leaves have round teeth along the edge. The flowers are in flat topped groups in the axils of leaves. The flowers do not have stalks. The flowers are bell shaped.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on the edge of forests and in waste areas from sea level to 2,400 m above sea level in southern China. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, Guyana, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to flavour sago cakes and for a syrup. The seeds are roasted and made into a paste and used as a side dish.

It is sold in local markets in China and Laos.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, seeds, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Maskothan, Phak ki on, Rato charpaate, Sii

Synonyms

Nepeta indica L.;