| Description | Laurus nobilis 'Bay Tree'
Native to the Mediterranean, the bay tree is well known for its culinary use, often added to soups and stews. It is an upright, hardy evergreen tree with deep green, aromatic foliage. Leaves are glossy and oval in shape and hang from red-brown branches. In spring, yellow buds appear, opening to clusters of fluffy yellow flowers, adding a lovely contrast amongst the foliage. Tough, beautiful and useful, this tree lends itself well to hedging and is also an excellent choice for topiary. | 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. | Choisya ternata
Mexican Orange Blossom is so named as it's flowers are of a similar nature and scent to an orange tree! The foliage is a mid to light green and is covered with masses of scented white flowers through Spring and Summer.
This attractive shrub will grow to approx. 1.5 - 2m, but is happy to be clipped to suit. As a result it can be also used as a hedge or screen. It is best grown in full sun or part shade and is reasonably frost tolerant. |
| Content | Laurus nobilis 'Bay Tree'
Can be made into a standard shape and its leaf is widely used as a culinary herb. It's a great tree that can be used in small or large gardens, responds well to pruning.
It is an extremely adaptable plant that is coastal tolerant, prefers a sunny position in a well drained fertile soil. | | |
| Additional information | |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| height x width |
1.5m x 1.5m, can be trimmed
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| planting distance |
For hedge or screen: 80cm
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| features |
Compact rounded bush, leaves consist of 3 glossy deep green leaflets, tight clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in spring and late summer
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in rich, well-drained soil, prefers a slightly acidic soil
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| landscape use |
Specimen, screen, general landscaping, a great substitute for Orange Jessamine in a frosty area
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