| 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. | Alcantarea imperialis 'Silver Plum'
Silver Plum Bromeliad is a stunning deep purple/red coloured sun loving variety growing to a span of more than 1.5 metres. The flower spike can reaches 2.5 metres in height and last for up to 18 months!
Silver Plum makes a fantastic feature in any garden style. As with most bromeliads, the leaves are extremely hardy and can handle a fair amount of stress.
16"/40cm pot | Agapanthus praecox minimus
Dwarf Agapanthus are smaller and more compact, great for narrow borders and gardens with less space.
• Fine, strap-like lime green foliage
• White umbel flowers appear on tall stems above the foliage
• Extremely hardy, tolerating poor soils and drought
6"/14cm pot size. |
| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| botanical name |
Agapanthus "Dwarf White"
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| height x width |
45-50cm x 45-50cm
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| planting distance |
For border: 30cm
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| conditions |
Very hardy, like?s full sun to part shade in well-drained soil,
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| landscape use |
Borders, general garden planting, pots, foliage contrast, cut flower
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