The Bacopa genus contains a number of aquatic plants bearing flowers in lavender, blue, purple and white. Known as water hyssop, plants of this genus grow throughout the world. Bacopa monniera is the most heavily documented species and provides various uses for practitioners of herbal and Ayurvedic medicine. This species bears white flowers and goes by the name common name Brahmi in Hindi and thyme leaved graticula in English.
Habit and Habitat
The branches, leaves and flowers of the plant grow freely in the air while the roots grow in water or swamp environments. The thick, succulent leaves of the herbaceous plants store water for the plant to slowly absorb. According to the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Bacopa monnieri is a native Floridian species commonly found in fresh and brackish water. Other species of Bacopa grow throughout the world from India to Australia in tidal zones, shallow ponds, and tropical or semitropical wetlands.
Growth
Mature Bacopa plants display numerous branches growing from a central hub. These branches reach a length of approximately 4 to 12 inches for a total plant spread of 8 to 24 inches. The plants bear flowers in various colors. These flowers exhibit four or five ½-inch petals. The succulent leaves measure 1/8 to 5/8 inch wide. Branches exhibit creeping, vinelike growth upward and to all sides of the plant's center.
Sutera grandiflora
The annual flowering plant Sutera grandiflora is commonly known as Bacopa and often confused for true Bacopa species. This plant grows on land and belongs to a different genus than true Bacopa plants. Sutera grandiflora grows in moist, well-drained soil in full sun exposure. Numerous cultivars developed specifically for gardening exist. These cultivars bear small flowers in numerous shades including white, pink and blue. Mature Sutera grandiflora reaches a height of 3 to 6 inches.
Pests and Diseases
True Bacopa species suffer pest infestation from slugs and snails. The most effective methods of reducing the presence of slugs and snails are eliminating the hollows, dugouts and other places slugs and snails live. Because Bacopa plants require constant moisture, managing humidity is not feasible. False species of Bacopa suffer aphid and thrips infestation and root rot diseases.
False species of Bacopa suffer aphid and thrip infestation, and from root rot diseases. Managing aphids entails the introduction of natural predators and parasites such as ladybugs, green lacewings and parasitic wasps. Plant species generally tolerate thrip infestation and do not requirement management of the insects. According to University of Minnesota horticulturalist Jill Pokorny, once root rot appears it is too late to save plants. Successful management entails inspecting plant roots and repotting plants in new soil.
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