Centella asiatica
Other common names: Indian pennywort, marsh penny and water pennywort.
Habitat and range: Swampy areas of India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa and the tropics
Description: Gotu Kola is a perennial plant. Its appearance changes, depending on growing conditions. In shallow water, the plant puts forth floating roots and the leaves rest on top of the water. In dry locations, it puts out numerous small roots and the leaves are small and thin.
Part used: Leaves and aerial parts.
Uses: Gotu kola also has a historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a variety of illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders.
