| Description | Betula pendula
An elegant deciduous tree with soft, white bark.
• Small green leaves that turn vibrant yellow in autumn
• Beautiful feature tree, planted in groups or used along driveways, fence lines or avenues
• Low maintenance, tolerating frost, snow and drought once established. | 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. | Plectranthus caninus
Dogbane is a perennial herb from the mint family, which grows to about 15cm high, 30cm when in flower. When crushed, leaves have a very strong aroma, however dogs and cats are said to be able to smell the aroma from intact leaves and be repelled from the plant. This herb is also know as "scaredy cat plant". This plant prefers full sun to part shade, but may need more shade in very hot areas. If there is too much shade the plant becomes "leggy" with less foliage. It's frost tender so it needs a warm protected position to protect it from frost and hot sun, it's not suited to open conditions. Water young plants regularly, and once established older plants will tolerate short dry periods. It flowers in spring and summer. And this plant is also recommended for use as an insect repellent. |
| Content | Silver birches are a small growing tree with an inoffensive root system that’s beautiful all year round. They will make your property looks a million dollars because although Silver Birch are inexpensive, nothing else looks as classic in the garden.
In winter Silver Birch Trees have a lovely naked tree with a fabulous white trunk! To enhance that feature, you can plant them in clumps of 2 or 3 silver birch trees and together the white trunks look more beautiful. In spring and summer you have beautiful fine lacy green foliage, giving fabulous dappled shade. These trees are beautiful where you want some shade but you don’t want total shade or darkness.
The silver birch looks great with an old fashioned house and silver birches look absolutely fabulous with modern buildings as well. Either in a modern setting or an old fashioned setting, classic garden or a modern garden, silver birches look amazing!
Over the years they’ve probably become the most popular tree in Melbourne, measured over time, and look great just about anywhere. Check out our fact sheet page for more information on silver birch trees. | | |
| Additional information |
| botanical-name |
Betula alba "Pendula"
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| height-x-width |
8m x 4m
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| features |
Trunk develops into a white color, upright open and spreading pyramidal tree with pendulous branches, very attractive
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well drained soil
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| landscape-use |
Specimen, group planting, street tree, avenues, great for small gardens
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| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| botanical name |
Coleus Cannis
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