Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: (L.) Wettst.
Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(3b): 77 (1891)
Year: 1891
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bacopa
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Tropics & Subtropics
Description
Herb of grace, scientifically known as Bacopa monnieri, is a prominent member of the Plantaginaceae family. This perennial, creeping herb thrives in the tropics and subtropics, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Its significance is not just limited to its resilience and wide-ranging habitat, but also lies deeply rooted in traditional medicine systems, especially Ayurveda, where it is revered for its therapeutic properties.
This verdant plant is distinguished by small, succulent leaves and delicate white to bluish flowers that add a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. Its growth is generally found in wet, marshy areas, where it sprawls groundward, forming dense mats that contribute to soil stabilization and erosion control.
Herb of grace has been extensively studied, with its notable mention in “Nat. Pflanzenfam.” by H.G.A. Engler and K.A.E. Prantl, published in 1891. The detailed botanical description provided by authors (L.) Wettst. underlines its classification and attributes within the vast Plantaginaceae family, offering significant insights into its structure and functions.
In traditional medicine, Bacopa monnieri is famed for its cognitive enhancement properties, often termed as a nootropic agent. It has been historically used to improve memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Current scientific research validates these ancient claims, attributing the plant’s efficacy to its active compounds, such as bacosides. These compounds possess antioxidant properties, contributing to their neuroprotective effects.
Furthermore, this multifaceted herb is also reputed for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety benefits. Its versatility extends to its use in treating a variety of ailments ranging from respiratory issues to digestive disorders.
Cultivating Bacopa monnieri is relatively straightforward, given it’s natural predilection for moist environments. It can be propagated through cuttings, making it accessible for cultivation in home gardens and larger agricultural settings.
In summary, Herb of grace is more than just a botanical marvel; it is a testament to the intricate balance between nature and traditional wisdom, continuing to offer numerous benefits within modern and traditional medicinal practices alike.
Common Names
Eng: indian-pennywort, bacopa, coastal water-hyssop, coastal waterhyssop, herb of grace, herb-of-grace, monnier’s hedge hyssop, water hyssop
Por: bacopa
Ara: farfakh
Swe: litet tjockblad
En: Herb of grace, Monnier’s hedge hyssop, Herb-of-Grace, COASTAL WATERHYSSOP, Brahmi, Thyme-leafed gratiola, Water Hyssop, ब्राह्मी, Coastal Water Hyssop
Ar: باكوبا منيرة
As: ব্ৰাহ্মী শাক
Bn: ব্রাহ্মী
Zh: 假马齿苋, 百克爬草, 過長沙
Cs: Bakopa drobnolistá
Et: Sasi-vesikaak
Fi: Pikkubakopa
Fr: Ti quinine
De: Kleines Fettblatt
El: Μπακόπα του Μονιέ
He: פשטה שרועה
Hi: ब्राह्मी जड़ी बूटी, Brahmi
Kn: ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಿ
Ml: ബ്രഹ്മി
Mr: ब्राम्ही
Ne: जलब्राह्मी
Pa: ਬ੍ਰਾਹਮੀ
Fa: ناز باتلاقی
Ru: Бакопа Монье
Sa: ब्राह्मी
Sk: Bakopa drobnolistá
Sv: Litet tjockblad
Tl: Ulasimang-aso
Zh-tw: 過長沙
Ta: நீர்ப்பிரமி
Te: నీటిబ్రాహ్మీ, Sambrani Chettu
Th: พรมมิ
Zh-hant: 假馬齒莧
Synonyms
- Alonsoa hirsuta ((Spreng.) Steud.)
- Moniera monnieri ((L.) Britton)
- Herpestis monnieria ((L.) Kunth)
- Herpestis monnieri ((L.) Rothm.)
- Herpestis spathulata (Blume)
- Thunbergia stolonifera (Blanco)
- Limosella calycina (Forssk.)
- Bacopa monnieria var. cuneifolia ((Michx.) Fernald)
- Herpestis moranensis (Kunth)
- Herpestis cuneifolia ((Michx.) Pursh)
- Gratiola portulacacea (Weinm.)
- Lysimachia monnieri (L.)
- Bramia indica (Lam.)
- Gratiola monnieri ((L.) L.)
- Bacopa monnieri var. cuneifolia (Michx.)
- Bramia monnieri ((L.) Drake)
- Gratiola tetrandra (Stokes)
- Herpestis africana ((Pers.) Steud.)
- Moniera cuneifolia (Michx.)
- Habershamia cuneifolia ((Michx.) Raf.)
- Moniera pedunculosa (Pers.)
- Moniera africana (Pers.)
- Herpestis calytriplex (Steud.)
- Bacopa monnieria ((L.) Hayata & Matsum.)
- Septas repens (Lour.)
- Septilia repens (Raf.)
- Ruellia articulata (Houtt.)
- Herpestis pedunculosa (Steud.)
- Gratiola monnieria (L.)
- Allocalyx microphylla (Cordem.)
- Hemimeris hirsuta (Spreng.)
- Anisocalyx limnanthiflorus ((L.) Hance)
- Calytriplex obovata (Ruiz & Pav.)
- Herpestis brownei (Steud.)
- Capraria monnieria (Roxb.)
- Moniera brownei (Pers.)
- Hydrotrida beccabunga (Willd.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Alabama (native)
- Aldabra (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Argentina South (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bermuda (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Chagos Archipelago (native)
- Chile Central (native)
- Chile North (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Congo (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Egypt (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Equatorial Guinea (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Gilbert Is. (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Gulf States (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Hawaii (native)
- Honduras (native)
- India (native)
- Iran (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Laccadive Is. (native)
- Laos (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maldives (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mauritius (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Rodrigues (native)
- Réunion (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Socotra (native)
- Somalia (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South China Sea (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Texas (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Portugal (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by anton chempe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2019 by S Nair (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2012 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Rath Debraj (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Tacila Lima (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2020 by sylvie capitolin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 7, 2011 by Krol AS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Alonso Escalona (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2016 by Krol AS (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 16, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1072674-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171169)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7836060)
