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Bacopa monnieri L.
Synonyms
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Bacopa monnieri var. cuneifolia
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Family
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Scrophulariaceae
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Local Name
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English - Bacopa
Malayalam –Neerbrahmi
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Flowering and Fruiting Period
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Throughout the year
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Distribution
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Paleotropics
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Distribution in Kerala
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All Districts
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Habitat
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In the plains and mangrove forests
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IUCN Status
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LC
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Uses
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Used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for centuries for a
variety of purposes,
including improving memory, reducing anxiety, and treating epilepsy.It may
boost brain function and alleviate anxiety and stress, among other benefits.
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Key Botanical Characters:
Aquatic or amphibious, prostrate, semi-succulent herbs;
stem creeping, branches ascending. Leaves 1-1.5 x 0.4-0.6 cm, ovate-oblong or
spathulate, rounded at apex, base narrowed, punctate above, thick, sessile.
Flowers solitary, axillary; pedicels to 2.5 cm long; bracteoles 2, up to 3 mm
long. Calyx-lobes 5, unequal; outer calyx lobe c. 5 x 4 mm, ovate, others
slightly smaller. Corolla bluish-white, c. 8 mm long, broadly campanulate,
faintly 2-lipped; lobes 5, subequal. Stamens 4, didynamous. Ovary
oblong-globose; style slightly deflexed. Capsule 3-4 x 1.5-2 mm, ovoid or
oblong, enclosed in calyx; seeds c. 0.5 mm long, oblong, reticulate.
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