Rice-paddy herb
Limnophila aromatica

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

These can be annuals or perennials marsh herbs. The stems are 30-70 cm long and either simple or much branched. The stems can lie down or curve upwards. Plants root from the nodes. The leaves are opposite or in rings of 3. They are narrow and oval and 1-7 cm long by 0.3-1.5 cm wide. Some leaves occur above water level, while the leaves below water level are finely divided. Flowers can be solitary in leaf axils or in clusters are the ends of branches or in the axils of leaves. Flowers are 1 cm long and blue. These flowers are on stalks 3 cm long. The fruit is a capsule which is oval and 6 mm across. It has many seeds. These are angular with a net-like appearance and 0.5 mm long.

There are about 35-40 Limnophila species. They grow in the tropics. Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in moist places and at low altitudes. It is found in ponds and ricefields. It grows in freshwater. It needs a temperature above 20°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Micronesia, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves have a fragrant smell and are used in curries or with fermented fish and in sauces. They are used in soups, stews and sweet and sour dishes.

It is sold in markets in Thailand.

Edible parts

Leaves as condiment, spice

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ambuli, Beremi, Kapur, Karpur, Kayang, Kekehan, Kerak-kerak, Keukeuhan, Kuttra, Losodh ara, Loson ara, Maam dei, Manganari, Ngo om, Pak krayang, Phak kayang, Phak khayaeng, Rau Ngo, Rau om, Rumput jari, Sebueh batu, Sebueh, Shisokusa, Swamp leaf, Zi su cao

Synonyms

Ambulia aromatica Lamarck; Limnophila aromaticoides Yang & Yen; Limnophila chinensis subsp. aromatica (Lamarck) T. Yamazaki; Limnophila gratissima Blume; Limnophila pulcherrima Hook.f.; Limnophila punctata Blume; Limnophila punctata var. subracemosa Bentham; Limnophila villosa Blume;