Bacopa

This article is about the plant genus. For the species in this genus that is widely used in herbal medicine, see Bacopa monnieri.

Bacopa
File:Starr 070815-8055 Bacopa monnieri.jpg
Bacopa monnieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Plantaginaceae
Tribe:	Gratioleae
Genus:	Bacopa Aubl.
Species
See text.
Synonyms
Brami Adans. Bramia Lam. Herpestis Gaertn. Macuillamia Raf. Moniera P.Browne Monocardia Pennell

Bacopa is a genus of 70 - 100 aquatic plants belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is commonly known as Waterhyssop (or Water Hyssop, though this is more misleading as Bacopa is not very closely related to hyssop but simply has a somewhat similar appearance).

Description

Bacopa monnieri in Hyderabad, India.

They are annual or perennial, with decumbent or erect stems. The leaves are opposite or whorled, and sessile. The leaf blade is regular, round to linear, and the venation is palmate or pinnate. Its stems are hairy or smooth. The flowers are produced solitary or in pairs from leaf axils, usually radially symmetrical, with five sepals and five petals, and they are usually white, blue, or purple. Dispersal and propagation is by seeds and stem fragments. Crushed leaves have a distinctive 'lemon' scent.

File:Bacopa myriophylloides.jpg

Bacopa myriophylloides

Habitat and range

Bacopa species are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly the Americas. A few are regarded as weeds and excess stock should not be dumped in warmer regions. Most grow in moist amphibious conditions, though some like B. myriophylloides seem to be wholly aquatic.

Uses

Bacopa monnieri, syn. Herpestis monniera, is important in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used, particularly in India, for several thousand years to improve mental functioning, including comprehension (Dhi), memory (Dhriti), and recollection (Smriti).

Cultivation

Some of these species are commonly used in freshwater aquariums and around and in ponds in warmer climates. Most are easy to grow and are slow-growing, but require medium to high amounts of light. Most are easy to grow and will tolerate a wide range of water conditions. B. caroliniana at least will tolerate brackish water. Plants are usually best planted in groups in the middle to background. Algal infestation can be a problem in brighter lighting condition.

Selected species

Bacopa australis Bacopa caroliniana (Walter) B.L.Rob. – lemon bacopa, blue water hyssop, giant bacopa Bacopa decumbens (Fernald) F.N.Williams Bacopa crenata Bacopa eisenii (Kellogg) Pennell – Gila River waterhyssop Bacopa innominata (G.Maza) Alain – tropical waterhyssop

Bacopa madagascariensis Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell – water hyssop, moneywort, herb of grace Bacopa myriophylloides Bacopa repens (Sw.) Wettst. Bacopa rotundifolia (Michx.) Wettst. – disc waterhyssop Bacopa stricta (Schrad.) B.L.Robins. – yerba de culebra

Formerly placed here

• Mecardonia procumbens (Mill.) Small (as B. procumbens (Mill.) Greenm.)

See also

• Sutera 'Cabana', a plant also known by the obsolete name Bacopa 'Cabana'.

External links

• Bacopa Monograph By Dr Ajay Padmawar
• Bramhi
• Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment