Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a slender, creeping perennial herb with bright green, kidney-shaped leaves that spreads by runners across moist ground. Long valued in Ayurveda and Indian cuisine, it is celebrated as a brain tonic that supports memory, calm and concentration, and is equally prized for skin healing and circulation. The plant forms a lush, low mat that makes an attractive edible ground cover for pots, water margins and shaded beds. Thriving in damp, semi-shaded conditions found across much of India, Gotu Kola is hardy, quick-spreading and exceptionally easy to grow for fresh home harvests.
Specifications
| Family |
Apiaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical Asia, including India |
| Mature height |
5-15 cm |
| Mature spread |
Spreading, indefinite via runners |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Kidney-shaped green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Pinkish-white |
| Flower season |
Monsoon |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Partial shade to filtered sun |
| Watering |
Frequent; keep soil moist at all times |
| Soil / mix |
Moist, fertile loamy soil |
| Temperature |
20-32 C ideal |
| Humidity |
High |
| Fertilizer |
Light organic feed monthly |
| Pruning |
Trim runners to control spread |
| Repotting |
Divide runners when crowded |
| Propagation |
Runners or division |
| Pests & problems |
Few pests; watch for snails |
| Toxicity / safety |
Edible and non-toxic |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
A renowned Ayurvedic brain and nerve tonic for memory and calm, also used for skin healing and wound care. Eaten fresh in chutneys, salads and juices across South and East India.
Growing tips
Grow in a shaded, consistently moist spot, ideally near a water feature, mimicking its natural wetland habitat. Keep soil damp during summer and it will spread into a thick, harvestable mat.