| 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. | Fraxinus excelsior Aurea
Golden Ash is an attractive deciduous tree for all seasons with a rounded crown. The foliage is a light yellow colour turning pale green in summer. In autumn the foliage turns a brilliant golden yellow that is the main feature of this tree. In winter the young branches are yellow with distinctive black buds. A stunning tree with multi-seasonal interest. 7m H x 7m W | Correa alba
A popular choice amongst council and parks landscapers due to its set-and-forget nature, the Correa is a attractive, hardy and versatile perennial shrub.
• White star-shaped flowers with rounded, velvety leaves
• Will grow in both full sun or part shade, tolerating harsh Australian soil and weather
• Responds well to pruning, making neat hedges or even native topiary | Pyrus calleryana
A narrow, upright form and an excellent choice for space-restricted or compact areas. Glossy green leaves in Summer, Plentiful white flowers pop up in spring and autumn colour of Reds, Oranges and Purples.
Great for fence lines, tree lined driveway, street planting or parks.
Grows in a column shape.
Can average 8-10m tall. Can be trimmed to keep at 6m if required.
16''/40cm pot | Lysimachia nummularia
What an attractive alternative to your regular old lawn or groundcover, Lysimachia Creeping Jenny gives an instant wow factor to any garden! The fast growing vibrant green rounded foliage creates a soft carpet, which is safe for medium foot traffic. Creeping Jenny is not only limited to lawns. It makes quite a show spilling over retaining walls, cascading down hanging baskets or as a highlight in an otherwise dreary garden bed.
Creeping Jenny prefers moist well draining soil but can tolerate periods of dry. Grows in full shade - full sun quite happily provided there is moisture in the soil. If in a full sun position with poor soil and little water you will find it will not creep as very far but will retain its colour and vigour.
10''/25cm - hanging basket |
| Content | | | | Ornamental pear trees are fast growing, tolerant of most soil types, including heavy and poor soils, and best of all they come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit your landscaping requirements.
Check out our Ornamental Pear Tree Factsheet for more info. | |
| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| height x width |
8m x 5m
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| features |
Fine pale lemon colored flowers, turning bright gold in autumn, a great color contrast
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| conditions |
Full sun in well drained soil
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| landscape use |
Specimen, parks, street, avenues, driveways
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