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Bacopa caroliniana (Walter) B.L. Rob.
| Family Name: | Plantaginaceae |
| Synonyms: | Adenosma amplexicaulis, Adenosma caroliniana, Adenosma amplexicaulis, Obolaria caroliniana |
| Common Name: | Lemon Bacopa, Blue Hyssop, Water Hyssop, Giant Red Bacopa |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Emergent Aquatic, Submerged Aquatic), Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 10 cm to 30 cm |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 3 cm to 4 cm |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern USA |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Riverine) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Creeping herb up to 0.3 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Oblong, fleshy leaves are densely arranged in pairs along short, ascending stems. Crushed leaves produce a lemon-like scent. |
| Flowers | Small, light blue flowers are composed of 4-5 obovate petals. |
| Fruit | Smooth, hairless fruit is egg-shaped. |
| Taxonomy | Latest family name (APGII) is Plantaginaceae. Formerly placed in: Gratiolaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Geronicaceae. |
| Cultivation | This species is often planted in aquariums, but it can be grown submerged or emergent. The leaves become reddish under bright light. It tolerates drought and could be planted in bioswales. This slow-growing, low maintenance plant looks best when planted in small groups. It grows in freshwater or brackish water (salty water that is less salty than seawater). |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves Food (Herb or Spice): Edible leaves are sometimes used as a garnish. Medicinal: According to folk medicine, a leaf infusion can be taken to treat respiratory problems, like chronic cough and shortness of breath. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Riverine, Pond / Lake / River, Aquarium / Aquascape |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden, Water Garden, Bioswales / Sunken Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site) |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Hairy / Hirsute, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Truncate / Square |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Aboveground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 417 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1713 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
