Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Gotu Kola is a creeping, mounding perennial herb that grows beautifully as a groundcover or as a hanging plant.  Despite it's great hardiness to Zone 7, Gotu Kola is native to warm wetland areas of China, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa.  It loves growing in moist, fertile soil and is suitable for water gardens. 

Gotu Kola is considered to be an Adaptogenic and Nootropic herb. Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs commonly used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that's in charge of managing your body's hormonal response to stress. Gotu Kola contains many active biological compounds and is popular in herbal medicine and dietary supplements.  Extracts of Gotu Kola are purportedly used to aid in wound healing, lower high blood pressure, and improve cognitive function (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). 

Other common names for Gotu Kola are Indian Pennywort or Spadeleaf.