Centella

Botanical name: Centella uniflora
Synonyms: None known
Common name(s): Centella

About:
A small creeping perennial herb that forms dense green mats across damp ground, wetlands, grasslands and forest margins. It spreads rapidly by rooting stems and is one of New Zealand’s most adaptable native groundcovers. Its rounded kidney-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in both sun and shade make it a valuable plant for naturalistic gardens and ecological restoration.

Natural habitat:
Wetlands, damp grasslands, forest margins, coastal dunes, seepages, stream edges and open disturbed ground.

Growing environment:
Prefers moist to wet soils but tolerates a wide range of conditions, from full sun to deep shade. Thrives in fertile damp ground and can withstand periodic flooding as well as short dry periods once established.

Endemic distribution:
Native to New Zealand but not endemic. Occurs throughout much of New Zealand and is also found outside New Zealand.

Height:
20–100 mm

Width:
Spreads indefinitely by creeping stems and can form extensive mats.

Flowering:
Spring–summer

Fruiting:
Summer–autumn

Uses:
• Native groundcover
• Wetland restoration
• Stream and pond margins
• Lawn alternative in damp areas
• Living mulch beneath shrubs
• Erosion control on moist soils
• Naturalistic native gardens

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A low-growing creeping herb with slender branching stems that root freely at the nodes, forming dense carpets of foliage.

Leaves:
Rounded to kidney-shaped glossy green leaves, usually 5–20 mm across, carried on slender stalks. Margins are finely scalloped and the leaf surface is generally smooth.

Flowers:
Tiny inconspicuous flowers, white to pale purple, produced in small clusters nestled amongst the foliage.

Fruit:
Small flattened ribbed fruits that are dispersed by water and wind.

Ecology:
An important groundcover species that helps retain soil moisture, stabilise soil and provide shelter for small invertebrates. Seeds are dispersed by both water and wind, allowing the plant to colonise suitable damp habitats quickly.

Associated habitats:
Wetlands, marsh margins, damp grasslands, forest clearings, seepages, coastal dunes, stream banks and urban lawns.

How to grow:
Plant in moist, fertile soil in full sun, partial shade or full shade. Water regularly during establishment. Ideal for damp gardens, pond margins and shaded groundcover plantings. Can be trimmed if it spreads beyond its desired area.

Propagation:
Very easy to propagate by division or by rooting sections of runners. Can also be grown from fresh seed sown onto moist soil.

Cultural use:
A close relative of the medicinal Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and a familiar component of New Zealand’s wetland and lowland flora.

Garden value:
An excellent fast-growing native groundcover that creates a lush green carpet in damp areas where many other plants struggle. Useful for suppressing weeds, softening pathways and naturalising around water features.