Centella

Description

Centella is a genus of 2 or 3 species of flowering plants in the sub-family Mackinlayoideae. The genus is sometimes placed in family Apiaceae, but recent studies utilising molecular data place Centella within Araliaceae. They are perennial, creeping, slightly succulent and essentially glabrous, with roots in the knots. Leaves ovate-cordate, 2-10 cm long and 0.8-9 cm wide, obtuse apex, entire or repandas, glabrous or slightly pubescent. Inflorescences simple umbels, long pedunculated, with 2 or 3 flowers, the involucre with 2 leaves, white flowers or tinged with pink; obsolete calyx; Orbicular petals with inflexed and thin apex; absentpop style; whole carphophore. Fruit orbicular to wider than long, 2-5 mm in diameter, strongly laterally flattened, mericarps 7-9-ribbed and conspicuously reticulated, woody endocarp, absent vitas.