"Gotu" means cup, and "kola" means leaf in Sinhalese. The herb thrives best when grown in moist soil, requiring regular watering. If you wish to cultivate it at home, choose a sunny spot.

Gotu kola sambol is a herby coconut salad popular in Sri Lanka. It makes a wonderful accompaniment to rich, spicy dishes. Finely chop the gotu kola, including the stalks, and place in a large bowl.