This attractive perennial can be found on the Systematic Beds.
A native of eastern Africa, India and Myanmar, Plectranthus caninus is a tender species requiring glasshouse protection in winter. It is one of 350 shrubs, succulents, perennials and annuals from Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Australia and Pacific islands. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), the leaves of this genus are usually cordate to rounded, often having a scalloped or gently toothed margin; have an angular square stem; and have two-lipped flowers. P. caninus has terminal flower spikes, which bear distinctive mauve-tinted bracts and white-mauve flowers. The foliage emits an unpleasant scent when bruised, which acts as a deterrent to cats and other small mammals, hence the common name scaredy cat plant.