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Limnophila aromatica (Lam.) Merr.
| Family Name: | Scrophulariaceae |
| Synonyms: | Limnophila aromaticoides |
| Common Name: | Rice Paddy Herb, 紫苏草, 水薄荷 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southeast Asia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A herbaceous, variable shrub with both an emergent and submerged form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The simple leaves are arranged on the stem in opposite pairs and are lanceolate-elliptic to ovate-lanceolate in shape. The leaves have a dentate margin. The submerged leaf form is less rigid and bigger in size as compared to the emergent leaf form. The leaves are green with a purple underside, under high light conditions, the submerged leaves turn red. |
| Stems | The stems are 30 to 70cm in length and root at the nodes. The stems of the emergent form is purple in colour. |
| Flowers | The flowers are only produced when the plant is above the water surface and are produced in the leaf axils. The flowers are purple with a white villous interior. |
| Habitat | It is found in swampy soil such as rice paddy fields, marshes and reservoirs. |
| Cultivation | It is best grown under full sun in consistently moist, fertile soil. It is best grown in water temperatures of 20 to 25° and in pH levels of 6.4 to 7.0. In aquascapes, the plant needs to be trimmed regularly by topping the stems to prevent it from reaching the water surface. The tops of the stems can be propagated. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice): The herb can be eaten raw or cook. It is an important culinary herb in Vietnamese cuisines. In extensively used in fish soup, meat or fish dishes for it's special flavor. Medicinal: The leaves of this plant immersed are used to relieve fever and mucous decoction. The refreshing aroma of leaves are also used to destress body and mind. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Pond / Lake / River, Aquarium / Aquascape |
| Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden, Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils (Does not Drain Site), Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting (Herbaceous) |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite, Whorled |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Elliptical) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed, Crenate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
| Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31262 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5657 |
| 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. |