Coleus amboinicus

Coleus amboinicus is an aromatic, scrambling subshrub native from eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to India. Thick, softly hairy leaves have scalloped margins and release a strong fragrance when handled. Upright flower spikes bear small two-lipped blossoms among densely hairy green bracts. The species is cultivated and naturalized widely in the tropics. Research-grade observations document it in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru. Photographed in Colombia.