Also known as herb of grace or water hyssop, Bacopa monnieri grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Bacopa monnieri thrives on dry soil, or in fresh and brackish waters where its roots anchor the plant. Its stem grows out of the water to develops thick, succulent leaves and small flowers.
Features
A short plant, Bacopa monnieri only reaches a height of less than 1 foot and a width of 1 to 4 feet. The stem grows along the ground or loosely upwards, forming mats. It develops roots at the nodes along the stem. The flowers bloom year-round and come in pink, purple and white. Bacopa monnieri has light-green, fleshy leaves, pale-brown seeds and small fruits measuring less than 1/2 inch in length. Bacopa monnieri has a life span of more than 5 years.
Distribution
Bacopa monnieri grows in the waters of Southern states and California, Maryland, Oklahoma and Texas. It also grows in Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. It can grow on land as groundcover, having the ability to withstand light foot traffic. It also grows in the water, where the parts above water usually form free-floating mats. Bacopa monnieri can also grow in a container as long as it gets sunlight, water and fertilizer.
Cultivation
Bacopa monnieri grows in moist clay, sand, cinder, organic or coral soil. It can also grow in brackish water and waterlogged soil. It needs regular moisture, making it suitable for growing along the banks of ponds or aquariums. It grows in full sun or partial sun, with the plant getting more sunlight growing tighter and closer together. Bacopa monnieri plants don't feed much, so they only need fertilizers at half the recommended rate. If Bacopa monnieri has optimal growing conditions, it can become weedy and grow over other vegetation. It needs regular trimming to maintain a neat appearance.
Use
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine practitioners grow Bacopa monnieri as a medicinal crop to treat various conditions, including ulcers, tumors, ascites, enlargement of the spleen, indigestions, inflammations, leprosy and anemia. According to Unani medicine systems, Bacopa monnieri also works as an aphrodisiac and a blood purifier. As of October 2010, modern scientists are researching the plant for antioxidant properties.
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