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
<p>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.</p>
Growing tips
<p>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.</p>