Swamp leaf
Limnophila repens

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A crawling herb. It curls up at the tips. It is 20-45 cm tall. The leaves are opposite and without leaf stalks. They are narrowly oval and 1-3 cm long by 3-10 mm wide. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. The flowers are white or purple red or blue.

There are about 35 Limnophila species. Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in sandy or wet places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable of used to flavour dishes.

Edible parts

Leaves, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kapur, Maam kdam, Muchri ara, Munganari, Uli ara

Synonyms

Limnophila conferta Benth.; Stemodia repens Benth.;