Gotu Kola, also known as Indian Pennywort, is an edible and medicinal semi-aquatic herb native that grows in temperate and tropical wetlands. Thought to be indigenous to South Asia but used widely though the tropics, this very easy-to-grow green is used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to support healthy cognitive function. It is also delicious in salads, stir fry, and in a traditional preparation as a green juice over ice, where it makes a refreshing respite in Southeast Asia’s humid summers. Makes an excellent groundcover in deep shade, and can grow anywhere it is kept moist.
Growth Form: Low herb with round green leaves
Light: Deep Shade-Part Sun
Water: very generous water or semi-aquatic
Soil: Rich loam, potting soil, pond edges
Hardiness: USDA zones 9-10
Perennial