Gotu kola
Centella asiatica
Botanical family: Apiaceae
A small creeping plant of the marshes of Asia and India (not to be confused with the kola nut, unrelated). A pillar of Ayurveda, where it is reputed a tonic and favourable to memory; traditionally used in external application on wounds and as an infusion.
Partial shade
Moist, rich (edge of a marshy zone)
Abundant, likes soils that never dry out
Frost-tender (tropical, pot or greenhouse in a temperate climate)
Frost-tender in your zone
Role in permaculture
A creeping ground cover of tropical wetlands, a major medicinal of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. In a temperate climate: grown in a pot, indoors or under glass.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
Grown in a pot or under glass: leaves available all year round.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Centella asiatica » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Centella+asiatica)
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, « Centella asiatica » (plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/centella-asiatica)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Use of limited duration; not advised during pregnancy and in case of liver damage.
In the kitchen & the apothecary
Where to find gotu kola in preparations: recipes and traditional herbal teas.
Infusions & herbal teas
Family behaviour: Apiaceae
In general, Apiaceae are umbel plants (carrot, parsley, celery, coriander, dill) whose flowers attract precious beneficials: hoverflies, ichneumons, parasitoids. Fairly easy to pair, except fennel, they are useful along edges to feed beneficials.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Keep in mind
Clinical data remain limited: to be regarded as a plant of tradition more than a proven remedy.
A note on rigour: many companion pairings are gardening folklore; this note sums up what the sources say, where there are any.
Key takeaways
- • Prefers partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: moist, rich (edge of a marshy zone).