Centella cordifolia
Species of herb
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Centella cordifolia, commonly known as swamp pennywort or arthritis herb,[2] is a trailing perennial herb[3] native to Australia.[4] The species is common in preferred local environments.[5][6] It potentially has medicinal purposes and indigenous cultural significance.[7] C. cordifolia can be sourced commercially at Australian plant nurseries.[5]
| Centella cordifolia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Pressing of C. cordifolia | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Centella |
| Species: | C. cordifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Centella cordifolia | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
Centella cordifolia is a groundcover herb that can grow up to 15 cm (5.9 in) tall,[4] and typically stretches 1–2 m (3 ft 3 in – 6 ft 7 in) wide.[5]
Leaves are heart-shaped (cordate), glabrescent, glossy and dark green.[4] The lamina is 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) in length (with a similarly sized width), with five to seven veins and scarious margins.[8] When exposed directly to the sun, the leaves sit lowered, towards the ground, whereas in the shade they will stand upright.[4] The petiole has a purple tint, sheathing and broad at the base, and can be up to five times the length of the lamina.[8]
Flowers occur in subsessile umbels in an ovate shape, 3 mm (0.12 in) in length and each containing two to three florets.[8] Petals are purple or white,[5] ovate, and approximately 1.5 mm (0.059 in) in length.[8] Sepals form a very small, lobed ring, and at the base are two involucral bracts.[8] Anthers are dark purple.[8] Flowering times for C. cordifolia occur between late summer (December) to early autumn (March).[8][9]
Fruit is small, rounded, laterally compressed and contains seeds.[9] five longitudinal ribs span the mericarp,[8] which is 2.5–3 mm (0.098–0.118 in) in length and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) in width.[8] Small hairs towards the apex can be present, but in general the fruit is glabrous.[8]
Distinguishing C. cordifolia from other Centella species can be difficult, particularly from C. asiatica, which also inhabits parts of Australia.[10] The leaf margins of C. cordifolia are more serrate, whereas C. asiatica have more dentate margins.[10] C. cordifolia also has mat-like growth habit, which can be distinguished from other Centella species that have greater vertical and spreading growth habits.[10]
Distribution and habitat
Centella cordifolia is native to Australia, growing in parts of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.[8] However, the species has limited records and distribution lacks an extensive understanding.[8]
The herb grows in damp, poorly drained environments, including marshy soils or shallow waters.[5] Sun exposure can range from full to partial shade.[5] It is intolerant to phosphorus and moderately frost tolerant.[11]
Ecological processes
Medicinal and cultural significance
Centella cordifolia is known to treat rheumatism and arthritis,[7][2] though widespread adoption and evidence for this is limited. The herb is said to have an indigenous cultural significance,[7] again with limited information available.
C. cordifolia is closely related to Centella asiatica[10] and their uses may be interchangeable.[13] C. asiatica is widespread across Australia, Africa, Asia, North and South America, with well-known cultural, medicinal and culinary uses.[13] In a 2017 study published by Frontiers in Plant Science.[10] C. cordifolia was found to be genetically and chemically similar to C. asiatica, when comparing three Centella species (C. cordifolia, C. asiatica and C. erecta).