Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Centella asiatica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

aromatic flavour, we have found them to be rather overpowering in salads when used in any but small quantities. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Used in salads and in curries.; Cooked as a vegetable.; An aromatic flavour, we have found them to be rather overpowering in salads when used in any but small quantities.

Habitat & North American Range

Old stone walls and rocky sunny places in lowland hills and especially by the coast in central and southern Japan. Shady, damp and wet places such as paddy fields, and in grass thickets. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)