Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica L.): An Under-utilized Herb

The short growing season and harsh climate found in many parts of Canada necessitates development of both field and greenhouse-based plant production. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica L. Urban) is a member of the Apiaceae family, which is characterized by its constantly growing roots, and long copper-coloured stolons (runners) with long internodes and roots at the base of each node. Also known as Indian pennywort, it is a perennial creeping plant native to India, China, Japan, North Africa and Sri Lanka. Gotu kola has been used as a therapeutic herb in India, China and Indonesia for thousands of years. Its ability to heal wounds, to improve mental complications and to treat skin lesions are the main reasons for its wide spread use in those countries. In the western world, the crop is becoming popular due its ability to boost mental acuity and improve circulation. Growth of gotu kola on the Canadian Prairies has met with limited success and potential for field production of the crop is slim due to unfavourable growing conditions. It appears that annual in vitro production of the plant through tissue culture and clonal propagation in the greenhouse is necessary prior to transfer of the plant to the field. Alternatively, continuous propagation of gotu kola as an herb grown under greenhouse conditions appears to show considerable promise. The plant can successfully be grown in combined culture with fish in a closed recirculation aquaponic system that appears competitive with most highly productive commercial greenhouse ventures. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________