Have you ever heard of Bacopa monnieri? Do you know what kind of plant it is? Don’t worry, because if you don’t know, we are going to discover a plant that is not only beautiful in decoration but also has other uses that you should know in depth.
Want to know what we’re talking about? Discover the characteristics of Bacopa monnieri, how to take care of it in your garden and the main uses of this plant.
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Characteristics of Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri, also known as water hyssop, is a very beautiful tropical flower. Its origin is in America, specifically in the region that goes from southeastern Virginia to southern Florida and western Texas.
But don’t be fooled by its location. And it is that This plant needs moist places to live. it is therefore common to find it in freshwater areas, near swimming pools, in streams, banks and even protruding from the muddiest coasts of the place.
Another point you should know about Bacopa monnieri is that It is a perennial plant that tolerates heat well. but not the one who lacks water. In some cases, it is easy to keep it in aquariums or even in hanging baskets (provided the water they have is very controlled).
What you may not know is that it is considered a succulent. Yes, the leaves it has are quite thick, and the water that the plant needs accumulates there. Physically they are oblanceolate and about 0.31 centimeters tall (as you can see they are tiny). These are arranged oppositely on the stem and all have a vein. In addition, the underside of them is usually dotted to the touch.
As for the flowers, they can be light blue, white or purple.. It usually blooms from September to October. But, being a perennial, it may bloom sporadically at other times of the year. These are solitary and have about 4-5 petals, no more. They are tiny, but they attract a lot of attention due to their color. As for the aroma, we haven’t found anything about it, so we don’t know if the flowers will have an odor or if it is imperceptible.
It is common for you to find this plant flowering and fruiting at the same time. The fruits are usually ovoid and tiny. but they have two throats and two valves; inside full of seeds.
Bacopa monnieri care
Although the cultivation of Bacopa monnieri is not common, it can be interesting if you want to put a waterfall, a fountain or similar in your garden, because one of the plants that you could have near, or even in the water, could be this one.
Now you have to keep in mind that although it adapts to any type of soil, and even its pH, the truth is that If you give him a clay, neutral or clay loam, he will appreciate it much more.
It tolerates heat quite well. but during the winter it is very frequent that it remains inactive, sometimes even that we lose it, to reappear in the spring. Unless it is near water, where it is usually protected.
With regard to irrigation, there is no doubt that it needs us to be aware of this so that it does not run out of water. It is true that you have to control this a lot to prevent the roots from rotting, but they are more resistant to water than other plants.
No known pests or diseases (it is also true that, as a wild tropical plant, not much is known about it) but we do know about the type of reproduction that can be carried out. In this regard, besides seeds, which are difficult to germinate, the easiest way to propagate them is to use sprout cuttings. These must be between 5 and 10 centimeters and have roots and internodes to be successful.
Apps
Beyond its decorative uses in gardens, the truth is that what Bacopa monnieri is best known for is its medicinal use. Some of the benefits obtained from it are related to improved memory, concentration, learning, as well as for treat epilepsy and anxiety problems. But there is more.
The plant has a high concentration of bacosides, which in addition to helping with memory, concentration, etc. it can also repair damaged neurons and even improve the symptoms of such a damaging disease as Alzheimer’s. We’re not saying it cures it, but at least it tries to alleviate the problem it causes in people.
He is also able to inhibit neuronal oxidative stress.
In India, Bacopa monnieri is part of Ayurvedic treatments, using it to all kinds of skin problems, but also to increase the growth of hair, nails and the skin itself.
It is also effective against diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism, back pain, digestive problems… It is even credited with anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.
Of course, it is not recommended to take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, nor to exceed the daily dose to avoid side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, nausea, intestinal motility problems, stomach pain…
Now that you know more about Bacopa monnieri, would you dare to have it in your garden or in an aquarium? Did you know about the plant or the vitamin supplements that are sold from it? We read you!