| 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. | Grevillea hybrid
‘Medika Marvel’ is a hardy, low-growing grevillea known for its stunning clusters of pink to red spider flowers that bloom across much of the year. Its compact form and continuous flowering make it a standout choice for native gardens, borders, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
- Compact, dense growth habit (approx. 60cm H x 1m W)
- Excellent groundcover or border shrub
- Evergreen foliage with soft, finely divided leaves
6"/ 14 cm pot | Convolvulus cneorum
Contrasting foliage makes Convolvulus Silver Bush a striking feature in the garden.
• Slender silver foliage with bright, white cupped flowers
• Low growing, only 40cm high and round
• A beautiful addition to a cottage, low maintenance or potted garden | Gazania hybrid ‘GT20’
Double Gold™ Gazania is a fast spreading ground cover with clean foliage and stunning yellow flowers that appear for majority of the year. It has twice the amount of flowers than other Gazania’s and is sterile, so it won’t even cross with other Gazania’s nearby. Requires little care once established and excellent at out-competing weeds. Mass planting, rockeries and roadsides.
Full sun. Tolerates frost and drought. Tolerates free draining to heavy clay soils.
Approx 20cm high x 60cm wide.
6'' pot | Brachychiton populneus x discolour 'Griffith Pink' Flame tree
Evergreen pyramid shaped tree with densely packed panicles of pink flowers in late spring and early summer. Leaves are glossy and bright red when young. The trunk is very large and has green lobed foliage that creates a dense canopy. Offers slightly different foliage to other pink varieties such as 'Bella Donna' and 'Bella Pink'.
12 litre pot |
| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
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| botanical-name |
Convolvulus cneorum
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| height-x-width |
50cm x 50cm
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| planting-distance |
For border: 50cm
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| features |
Rounded shrub with silver-grey leaves, large white flowers emerge from pink buds in spring and summer
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| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, will tolerate drought once established
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| landscape-use |
Rockeries, pots, borders, general garden use
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