Bacopa crenata
| Bacopa crenata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Bacopa |
| Species: | B. crenata |
| Binomial name | |
| Bacopa crenata (P.Beauv.) Hepper | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Bacopa calycina[1] (Benth.) Pennell | |
Bacopa crenata (waterhyssop, brahmi, water hyssop, moneywort) is a perennial or annual medicinal herb indigenous to India, Africa, and the Americas.[5] It is also known as "Brahmi" in India, named after Brahmā, the creator God of the Hindu religion.
Description
It is a non-aromatic herb, growing up to 40 cm (16 in) in height. The leaves of this plant are succulent, oblong and 1.4–1.5 cm (0.55–0.59 in) thick. Leaves are lanceolate to ovate and are arranged oppositely (opposite deccusate) on the stem. The flowers are small, actinomorphic, and range from white to blue or purple, with four to five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant.[6]
Ecology
It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout West Africa, Angola, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, and India. This plant can be grown hydroponically.
Traditional uses
Bacopa has been used in traditional Ayurvedic treatment for eye and stomach ailments. It is also used in Ayurveda as well as African regions as a pain-killer and a general healing herb.
References
- ↑ in Bull. Herb. Boiss. 1: 832 (1901)
- ↑ in Hook., Comp. Bot. Mag. 2: 5 (1836)
- ↑ Fl. Oware & Benin 2: 83, t. 112 (1819)
- ↑ Cat. Afr. Fl. Welw. 1: 760 (1898). —Hemsl. & Skan in F.T.A. 4, 2: 320 (1906)
- ↑ Plantnet Project publish.plantnet-project.org Retrieved 13 October 2016.
- ↑ Royal Botanical Gardens kew.org. Retrieved 13 October 2016.