Plectranthus caninus

Plectranthus caninus
Plectranthus (coleus) caninus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Plectranthus
Species:	P. caninus
Binomial name
Plectranthus caninus Roth.
Synonyms
Coleus caninus Coleus canina

Plectranthus caninus is an herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to east Africa and southern Asia. Under the name "Coleus canina", it is sold and marketed as a natural repellent to cats and dogs (labeled as "Scaredy Cat Plant" and "Piss-off plant"), though no research currently exists that supports that usage. These plants root easily from cuttings or from just touching the ground. They like full sun. If grown in the shade, their stems will elongate faster than new leaves growing, in search of more light; this is known as etiolation.

Plectranthus caninus in the shade.

Plectranthus caninus - before blooming.

Plectranthus caninus - blooming.

Plectranthus caninus - blooming with a side flower.

Plectranthus caninus - 3 seeds from June 2011.

References

• The Global Compendium of Weeds