| Description | Centella asiatica
When we think about herbs we think of things like parsley, sage and thyme, which all originate from Southern Europe. We don't hear much about those from Asia, let alone native Australian herbs. "Gotu kola" is more commonly known here as the arthritis plant. This herb has been cultivated in India, China, tropical Asia and Africa for centuries. It comes from the same family of plants as parsley and it has close relatives in Australia. Some of the traditional claims made about the medicinal properties of this plant include ; the extension of life, control of tuberculosis and leprosy, relief of high blood pressure and the pain and swelling associated with arthritis as well as a treatment for cancer and irritating skin ailments. It has also been referred to as Indian Ginseng because of its stimulating effects on many parts of the body. The arthritis herb has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in countries where it grew naturally. It is claimed to have beneficial effect on a number of other ailments including psoriasis, ulcers, rheumatism, acute infections and inflammation, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, fevers and diseases of the female reproductive organs. Modern clinical tests on humans and animals have confirmed a positive effect in the treatment of skin ailments such as ulcers, burns and wounds. The recommended daily dose is two leaves of 40mm diameter per adult, or the equivalent in smaller leaves. The leaves have a bitter taste particularly if grown in full sun. You may be able to eat the leaves straight from the plant or alternatively they can be chopped up and used like a parsley garnish on salads or mashed potato. It is commonly used to flavour rice dishes in Southeast Asia. A weak tea can be made which you might like to sweeten with honey. The naturally occurring organic chemicals in the leaves include strong alkaloids and a carcinogen called asiaticoside. It is recommended therefore, that you do not exceed this dose as symptoms of headache, dizziness and insomnia have been reported. This plant also goes by the common name of swamp pennywort and this is a clue to its preferred environment, which is shady and swampy. In such a location this plant can grow very quickly. The arthritis plant can be easily grown in the home garden. It thrives under shade in pots, hanging baskets and particularly in bog gardens or by a pond. A good idea is to keep this plant in a confined position such as a tub to prevent it from escaping. And a good potting mix will see this plant take off quickly.
4" pot size. | Scaevola albida 'Mauve Clusters' Fan flower
A soft purple flowering native ground cover, lovely in a hanging basket where it will trail over the sides, or mass plant around shrubs for a natural wildflower look. Plant in full sun to part shade
6''/14cm pot | Washingtonia robusta
Common names: Mexican Cotton Fan Palm, Mexican Fan Palm, Mexican washingtonia, Washingtonia palm.
The Mexican Cotton Fan Palm is a medium-tall sized palm originating from Mexico. It can reach a mature height of 7m in Victoria's climate. It has large fan like fronds with remnant threads of foliage that appear like ‘cotton’ hanging from between frond segments. It is tough, drought and frost tolerant when established! It is a perfect addition for features and tropical gardens.
100 litre pot. |
| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| botanical name |
Scaevola spp.
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| height x width |
30-45cm x 60-70cm
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| features |
Beautiful clusters of purple, blue, white or pink fan shaped flowers againsta backdrop of bright green leaves in spring and summer
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, adaptable to most conditions
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| landscape use |
Foreground planting, covering banks, groundcover, pots, specimen
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| botanical name |
Washingtonia robusta
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| height x width |
6-10m tall, slow growing
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| features |
The shiny bright green fronds are almost circular
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| conditions |
Full sun in well drained soil, protected from heavy frosts
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| landscape use |
Specimen, avenue
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