Gotu kola

Gotu kola is a creeping tropical plant with edible round leaves, valued as a medicinal and aromatic herb in herb gardens and Asian cuisine.

Size

Hardiness Not hardy

Difficulty level Moderate

Gotu kola is a creeping tropical plant with edible round leaves, valued as a medicinal and aromatic herb in herb gardens and Asian cuisine.

FamilyApiaceae

Gotu kola is an aromatic and medicinal plant with a creeping habit, valued for its round, green, and delicate foliage, as well as its usefulness in herb gardens. Its soft, spreading appearance makes it a unique plant for containers, window boxes, herb planters, and edible landscapes in warm and humid conditions. Its leaves are traditionally used in some Asian cuisines, particularly fresh in salads, drinks, infusions, or vegetable preparations.

Easy to grow when its moisture needs are met, gotu kola prefers a location in partial shade or gentle sun, in rich, consistently moist to humid, and well-drained soil. It thrives on regular moisture and should not dry out completely, especially in containers. As it is a tropical plant, it is generally grown as an annual in our climate or brought indoors during the cold season, to a bright location with good ambient humidity.

Both decorative, useful, and unique, gotu kola is ideal for gardeners who want to enrich their herb collection with a less common plant. Its rounded foliage creates a beautiful cascading or groundcover effect in pots, while adding an exotic touch to edible and medicinal gardens. It is an excellent plant for cool spaces, shaded containers, and lovers of easily harvested tropical aromatic plants.