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waterhyssop

Scientific Name: Bacopa procumbens

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bacopa monnieri (Water Hyssop)

Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as water hyssop, brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, water hyssop, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, is a fascinating perennial herb with a wide range of uses and a global distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a creeping herb with numerous branches that can be tempting for pets to chew on.

Considerations for Children

  • As a creeping herb with numerous branches, this plant may be tempting for children to pick and handle.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell
  • Common Names: Water hyssop, brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, Indian pennywort, Coastal water hyssop.
  • Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae or figwort/snapdragon family).
  • Genus: Bacopa, containing approximately 70-100 aquatic plants.
  • Synonyms: Herpestis monniera

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bacopa monnieri is distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics, including Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, China, Taiwan, Viet Nam, and Pakistan.
  • It also grows in wetlands in Florida, USA.
  • Hairy water hyssop is native to South America and is also found in Australia.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Bacopa monnieri is a small perennial creeping herb.
  • It has numerous succulent branches that root at the nodes.
  • The branches are typically 10 to 30 cm long.
  • It has glossy green leaves and bell-shaped white flowers, sometimes tinted.

Ecological Role

  • Suitable for edges of ponds.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Water Hyssop is a host plant for the White Peacock butterfly.

Uses

  • The tops of the plant are used in herbal medicine, particularly in Ayurveda.
  • It is also used in ornamental aquaria.
  • The plant extract is used in skin conditioning.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers a friendly community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
  • ARKive provides photos and facts about Coastal waterhyssop.
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Sutera cordata 'Snowflake' water hyssop 'Snowflake'.
  • dict.cc provides a German-English dictionary translation for water hyssop.