Lata, Latha
Plectranthus forsteri

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 0.9-2.4 m high and spreads 3 m wide. It is sprawling and keeps growing from year to year. It has an aroma. The stems are hairy and 100 cm long. The leaves are oval and hairy. They have teeth along the edge.

There are about 250 Plectranthus species. They are mainly in the tropics. The leaves have been used in medicine.

Where it is found

A warm temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. In Fiji it grows from sea level to 1,050 m altitude. It grows in rocky places in forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Pacific, Samoa, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a substitute for sage in cooking.

Edible parts

Leaves - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Buiagha, Buiaka, Buiakha, Dranumi, Hoanga, Laca, Sede

Synonyms

Ocymum pusillum Forst.f.; Coleus atropurpureus sensu Seem.;