🌿Native Nature

Indian pennywort

Centella asiatica

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae ›Phylum: Tracheophyta ›Class: Magnoliopsida ›Order: Apiales ›Family: Apiaceae ›Genus: Centella

About

Centella asiatica, commonly known as centella, Asiatic pennywort or Gotu kola, is a herbaceous, frost-tender perennial plant in the flowering plant family Apiaceae. It is native to wetlands in Asia. It is used as a culinary vegetable and as a medicinal herb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Indian pennywort?
The scientific name of Indian pennywort is Centella asiatica.
What is the conservation status of Indian pennywort?
The Indian pennywort has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does Indian pennywort belong to?
Indian pennywort belongs to the kingdom Plantae.
What phylum does Indian pennywort belong to?
Indian pennywort belongs to the phylum Tracheophyta.
What class does Indian pennywort belong to?
Indian pennywort belongs to the class Magnoliopsida.
What order does Indian pennywort belong to?
Indian pennywort belongs to the order Apiales.
What family does Indian pennywort belong to?
Indian pennywort belongs to the family Apiaceae.
What genus does Indian pennywort belong to?
Indian pennywort belongs to the genus Centella.

In the News

In Nepal’s capital, invasive flora crowd out native species

Native plants are rapidly declining in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, replaced by invasive species historically introduced for ornamental and urban greening purposes, reports Mongabay contributor Bibek Bhandari. Botanist Bharat Babu Shrestha said he has observed traditional medicinal plants like the Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica) slowly vanish from Kathmandu over the past decades, displaced by dense, flowering […]

Mongabay · 5/14/2026