| 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 |
|
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.