General description:
Gotu Kola ( Centella asiatica ), also known as the common pennywort, is a small herbaceous plant native to tropical Asia. It grows wild in moist areas such as riverbanks, rice fields, and lowland grasslands, and has also spread widely to Africa and parts of Oceania.
Botanical background:
Centella asiatica belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant is characterized by its rounded, serrated leaves and a low, sprawling growth habit. It is a perennial and adapts well to warm and humid growing environments.
Historical and cultural significance:
Gotu Kola has a long history as part of traditional Asian herbal lore and folklore, appearing for centuries in botanical texts, herbal catalogs, and ethnographic descriptions, particularly in the regions of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
Ethnobotanical interest:
Centella asiatica is one of the best-known ethnobotanical plants in the tropics. It is of particular interest from the perspective of traditional botany, plant cultures, and historical use. The plant provides valuable context for how local communities have interacted with the surrounding flora.
Disclaimer:
We sell ethnobotanical herbs and plant specimens for research and educational purposes only. We do not recommend or market these products as food, and they are not sold for food use. This product description is informative and does not contain any health or use claims. Finnish legislation applies to the use of the product, and the user is responsible for the legality of the use of the product.
