| 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. | Cotinus Coggygria, Smoketree
Purple Smoke Bush is a gem in the garden thanks to it's unique blend of colours that change throughout the seasons. A large deciduous shrub or small tree, its beautiful eye-catching Spring foliage is green overlaid with purple. Summer brings deep purple foliage that then turns deep orange and bronze in a burst of glory for an Autumn show.
Purple Smokebush gets its name from the clouds of smoke-like purple and pink "flowers" it produces in early Summer. These are very beautiful themselves, and are prized along with the foliage by florists. Grows best in full sun to partial shade and it is tolerant of drought and most soils, making it a great addition to many gardens.
10" pot size. | Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’
A low growing grass used as a formal groundcover.
• Striking black unique foliage
• Mass planted in gardens or between pavers
• Prefers well-drained, moist soil in part shade |
| Content | | | Why buy Black Mondo Grass
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Mondo Grass is the grass-like plant you never have to cut. Fantastic for groundcovers and borders, it reaches a maximum length of 8 inches and grows no longer. This black variety makes a striking feature element in the garden.
This groundcover is ideal for Asian or Zen-style gardens, as well as areas around pavers. It prefers morning sun or dappled shade, thriving in deep shade and tolerating wet, boggy conditions. However, it does struggle in direct hot sun, especially at the sunny end of a path.
In a hurry: Plant 16 per square metre
Prepared to wait: Plant 8 per square metre
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| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| height x width |
3m x 3m
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| features |
Attractive rounded purple foliage with a red tinge in spring and autumn, inflorescences appear in summer covering the bush like a cloud of smoke
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil
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| landscape use |
Specimen, feature, color contrast
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| Botanical Name |
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
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