| Description | Centella asiatica
When we think about herbs we think of things like parsley, sage and thyme, which all originate from Southern Europe. We don't hear much about those from Asia, let alone native Australian herbs. "Gotu kola" is more commonly known here as the arthritis plant. This herb has been cultivated in India, China, tropical Asia and Africa for centuries. It comes from the same family of plants as parsley and it has close relatives in Australia. Some of the traditional claims made about the medicinal properties of this plant include ; the extension of life, control of tuberculosis and leprosy, relief of high blood pressure and the pain and swelling associated with arthritis as well as a treatment for cancer and irritating skin ailments. It has also been referred to as Indian Ginseng because of its stimulating effects on many parts of the body. The arthritis herb has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in countries where it grew naturally. It is claimed to have beneficial effect on a number of other ailments including psoriasis, ulcers, rheumatism, acute infections and inflammation, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, fevers and diseases of the female reproductive organs. Modern clinical tests on humans and animals have confirmed a positive effect in the treatment of skin ailments such as ulcers, burns and wounds. The recommended daily dose is two leaves of 40mm diameter per adult, or the equivalent in smaller leaves. The leaves have a bitter taste particularly if grown in full sun. You may be able to eat the leaves straight from the plant or alternatively they can be chopped up and used like a parsley garnish on salads or mashed potato. It is commonly used to flavour rice dishes in Southeast Asia. A weak tea can be made which you might like to sweeten with honey. The naturally occurring organic chemicals in the leaves include strong alkaloids and a carcinogen called asiaticoside. It is recommended therefore, that you do not exceed this dose as symptoms of headache, dizziness and insomnia have been reported. This plant also goes by the common name of swamp pennywort and this is a clue to its preferred environment, which is shady and swampy. In such a location this plant can grow very quickly. The arthritis plant can be easily grown in the home garden. It thrives under shade in pots, hanging baskets and particularly in bog gardens or by a pond. A good idea is to keep this plant in a confined position such as a tub to prevent it from escaping. And a good potting mix will see this plant take off quickly.
4" pot size. | Ulmus parvifolia
The bark of the Chinese Elm is a real stand out feature, as the tree sheds it in patches, creating the effect of a tapestry of varying browns and greys. Foliage is lush, shiny and green, and the tree is semi deciduous, turning golden in autumn, and keeping its leaves in warmer areas. It has also been noted by many Aussie gardeners in recent years that native birds enjoy the fruit of the Chinese Elm. | |
| Content | | Video: Chinese Elms as a beautiful, medium size feature tree for a tough spot
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| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| botanical name |
Ulmus parvifolia
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| height x width |
8m x 8m
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| features |
Small glossy dark-green leaves with silvery serrated edges, they are semi evergreen with the leaves turning yellow and staying on the tree until late winter, the bark is very attractive and mottled grey, green, orange and brown
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| conditions |
Very hardy, prefers full sun in well-drained soil, good for planting in poor soil
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| landscape use |
Street planting, avenues, urban planting, specimen, group planting, avenues
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