How to Identify Gotu Kola Plants

Examine the plant for small purple, pink or white flowers during the spring. Gotu kola flowers appear under the leaves and appear to grow directly from the stem of the plant. Each flower is approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size. Not all gotu kola plants flower, but the presence of these flowers can help identify it.

Determine the leaves' shape and size. Gotu kola's kidney-shaped leaves have the texture of dry romaine lettuce and appear venous. Leaves may reach up to 3 inches in width, but most mature gotu kola plants' leaves are approximately 2 inches wide.

Slide your finger and thumb down the stem of the plant. Goku kola plant stems have tiny, sticky hairs near the leaves (at the tops of the stems) and are smooth and bare toward the base of the plant.