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Asiatic pennywort

How to identify Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica)

Asiatic pennywort, also known as Sheeprot, Asian Coinleaf, Stiff Spadeleaf, Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Coinleaf

Asiatic pennywort is characterized by its evergreen, herbaceous growth, presenting as either a perennial or a small shrub. It showcases a sprawling habit and typically bears solitary or small clusters of leaves. The foliage is most likely lush, exuding a vibrant green tone. Flowering in asiatic pennywort yields small blossoms that can vary from greenish-white to purple hues. The flowers grow in limited quantities but contribute a subtle charm to the plant's overall appearance. Leaves and flowers alike emerge from the plant's ground-hugging or sprawling stems, forming a dense and textured mat around 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) high.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Asiatic pennywort

1

Lush, vibrant green leaves in solitary or small clusters.

2

Large, funnel-shaped flowers with 5 short lobes in white, pink, or yellow.

3

Distinctive fruit with flattened, ribbed mericarps and a slender junction.

4

Bean-shaped leaves with crenate margins and defined vein patterns in vibrant green.

5

Slender, creeping stolons forming a dense mat with smooth, flexible stems.

Asiatic pennywortAsiatic pennywortAsiatic pennywortAsiatic pennywortAsiatic pennywort

Detailed Traits of Asiatic pennywort

Leaf Features

The leaves of asiatic pennywort are solitary or grouped, with a distinctive bean shape. They range from linear and terete to broadly reniform, displaying an alternate arrangement. These simple leaves have a smooth texture and a crenate margin with rounded teeth. Their size varies, typically reaching up to 5 inches (12 cm) across. The leaf color is a vibrant green, with a vein pattern that is clearly defined, contributing to their unique appearance.

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Flower Features

The flowers of asiatic pennywort are solitary, very large, and funnel-shaped, with 5 short lobes. They exhibit a variety of colors including white, pink, and yellow. Blooming occurs from May to October, and the blossoms are notably fragrant at night. These characteristics are critical for identifying the flowers: their distinct large funnel shape, the short-lobed petal arrangement, and their pleasant nocturnal scent. The flowers' dimensions and the flowering period are essential for plant enthusiasts.

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Stem Features

The green to reddish-green stems of asiatic pennywort are slender and function as creeping stolons. These stolons characteristically spread across the ground, producing roots at nodes. The stems are smooth, cylindrical, and measure approximately 0.1 to 0.15 inches (2.5 to 4 mm) in diameter. They exhibit a horizontal growth pattern, forming a network that aids in vegetative propagation. The texture of the stems is relatively soft, making them flexible and capable of forming a dense mat across the surface.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of asiatic pennywort is markedly distinctive, comprised of flattened, dry structures known as mericarps. These mericarps are laterally compressed, narrowing down into an extremely slender, flat junction, or commissure. Each fruit segment is accentuated by narrow yet conspicuous primary ribs, which provide a textured feel to the fruit's surface. Secondary ribs are also typically visible, lending to the detailed, ribbed appearance. This precise arrangement of ribs contributes to the fruit's identification. The overall morphology of the fruit, including its ribbing pattern and compressed shape, is integral when differentiating it from others.

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Key Facts About Asiatic pennywort

Attributes of Asiatic pennywort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
20 cm
Spread
1 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Asiatic pennywort

Species
Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica)
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Distribution Map of Asiatic pennywort

Asiatic pennywort is native to tropical and subtropical regions across various continents, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Oceania. It is also found in subtropical areas in East Asia, and introduced to portions of South America, the Caribbean, and islands in the Pacific. The plant's cultivation extends its presence beyond the native range, particularly in regions with similar climatic conditions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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