Centella asiatica (L.) Urban
Common Name: Indian Pennywort
Family: Apiaceae
Vernacular Names: Kulakudi – Hindi., Vallarai – Tamil., Kudangal – Malayalam
Synonyms: Hydrocotyle asiatica L., Centella coriaceae Nannf.
Plant Description: C asiatica stems are slender, creeping stolons green to reddish green in color, connecting plants to each other. It has long-stalked green rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins. Leaves are borne on pericladial petioles around 2 cm. Flowers are white or crimson in color born in small rounded bunches near the surface of the soil. Hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size. Fruits are densely reticulate.
Distribution and Habitat: C. asiatica is native to Asia, Africa and America. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, at elevations of 200 – 2100 m above sea level. It is commonly found in moist clayey soils in large clumps.
Uses:
Medicinal Uses: This plant is used as nervine tonic, for improving memory and mental disorders. It is nti-leprosy, diuretic, stomachic and used in insomnia, asthma, abdominal disorders and fever.
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