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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 (Emergent Aquatic, Submerged Aquatic), Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical and Subtropical Asia to Northern and Northeastern Australia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An herbaceous plant with emergent and submerged forms. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The simple leaves are arranged on the stem in opposite pairs or in whorls of 3. They are lanceolate-elliptic to ovate-lanceolate in shape. The leaf margin is toothed with rounded or pointed teeth. 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 - 70 cm in length and root at the nodes. The stems of the emergent form is purple in colour. |
| Flowers | The bluish purple, white or pink flowers are only produced when the plant is above the water surface. They may be solitary in the leaf axils or in terminal or axillary raceme inflorescences. |
| Fruit | Fruit is an egg-shaped capsule (6 mm long). |
| 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 temperature of 20 to 25°C and pH level 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. |
| Etymology | The genus 'Limnophila' originates from the Greek words for being related to lakes or fresh water ('limne') and loving something ('philos'). |
| 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: Traditional Medicinal Uses Based on research on the effect of Rice Paddy Herb on animals, it has vascular protective activity <1>. Traditional Medicinal Uses |
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, Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed, Crenate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
| Typical Foliar Size | 1 cm to 5 cm |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, Blue, White, Pink |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary, Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
| Flower Size | 1.3 cm |
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. |