Bacopa, Water Hyssop, Thyme leaved Gratiola
Bacopa monnieri

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb which grows in rice fields and lies along the ground. It grows 30 cm high. The stems are much branched. They form roots at the nodes. It can grow each year from seed or keep growing from year to year. The leaves are opposite and about 1.5 cm long by 1 cm wide. They are almost without stalks. The flowers contain both sexes. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. The flowers are on stalks about as long as the leaves. The flower tube has 5 lobes. They are white or light blue. The seeds are very small.

There are about 56 Bacopa species. There are 41 Bacopa species in tropical America. Also put in the family Gratiolaceae and family Scrophulariaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows up to 500 m altitude. It grows in damp areas. It grows in wetlands. It can grow in salty conditions. It is damaged by drought and frost. It can be on sandy beaches. It grows below 1,100 m above sea level in southern China. Brisbane Botanical garden. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Cambodia, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Guiana, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marquesas, Mexico (country/location of origin), Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves are used as a salad herb. They are also eaten in soups and cooked and eaten. They are also pickled. The flowers are eaten in times of food shortage.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, vegetable, tea

How it is grown

It is grown by stem cuttings. It can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bam, Brahmi, Brahmichappu, Brahmisak, Brakhi shak, Brammi shak, Brithmi-sak, Byone-hmwe, Herpestis, Hissopo-d'agua, Neerbrahmi, Nira-brahmi, Nir-brahami, Nirbrahmi, Nirubrahmi, Rau dang, Smau snao, Thiphu maigong, Veppilaa, Verdolaga de agua, Ye-myin-hkwa

Synonyms

Bramia monnieri (L.) Drake; Gratiola monnieri (L.) L.; Herpestis monnieri (Linn.) H.B. & K.; Lysimachia monnieri L.; Monniera monnieri (L.) Britton; and others