Centella, Swampwort
Centella cordifolia
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A herb which lies along the ground. It is a creeping plant. It can spread 1-2 m wide. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems form roots at the nodes. The leaves are 4 cm wide. They are round or heart shaped. They leaf stalks are long. The leaf edges can have teeth or be irregular. The flowers are very small and white or pink. They occur in small loose heads.
There are about 20-40-50 Centella species. They are tropical. The leaves are used as medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of swamps and wet places. It can tolerate frosts. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves - medicine
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from cuttings or division of stems which have roots.