Contents
Description
Centella, also known as pennywort or gotu kola, is a medicinal and edible herb native to Asia, Africa, and South America. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Centella has a unique taste, slightly bitter and sweet, and is used in salads, soups, and teas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Centella |
Appearance
Centella is a creeping herb with small, fan-shaped leaves that grow in clusters. The leaves are shiny, green, and have a smooth texture. The stems are thin and grow up to 10 cm long. Centella flowers are small and grow in clusters, ranging in color from white to pinkish-purple.
Care Guide
Centella is a low-maintenance herb that requires minimal care. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. Here are some tips for taking care of Centella:- Water: Centella needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Centella does not require frequent fertilization, but adding organic matter to the soil can improve its growth.- Soil: Centella prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. – Sunlight: Centella thrives in partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.- Hardiness Zones: Centella can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Centella is generally pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect Centella:- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves.- Spider mites: Tiny insects that can cause leaves to appear speckled and yellowed.- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves.- Root rot: A disease caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil that can cause the roots to rot.
Habitat
Centella is native to Asia, Africa, and South America and can grow in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, streambanks, and forest floors. It prefers warm and humid climates and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Centella be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Centella can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a location with partial shade and kept in moist soil.
Q: What are the health benefits of Centella?
A: Centella has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also believed to improve cognitive function and aid in wound healing.
Q: Can Centella be used in cooking?
A: Yes, Centella is edible and can be used in salads, soups, and teas. It has a slightly bitter and sweet taste.
Q: Is Centella easy to grow?
A: Yes, Centella is a low-maintenance herb that requires minimal care and can be easily grown in the right conditions.
Related Plants
– Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)- Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)- Water pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata)- Marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata)
References
– “Centella asiatica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d342.- “Centella (Pennywort).” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, www.kew.org/science/tropamerica/imagedetail.jsp?imagesourceid=100215.- “Gotu Kola.” University of Michigan Health System, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2182003.
