Bacopa caroliniana
Bacopa from a Tupi (indigenous South American) name for aquatic plants. caroliniana meaning 'of Carolina,' referring to the Carolinas (southeastern United States) where the species was first described.
Lemon Bacopa
Plantaginaceae
Distinguishing Features
- Thick, fleshy, ovate to obovate opposite leaves, 1.5–2.5 cm long, bright green (coppery-golden under high light)
- Leaves emit a distinct lemon scent when crushed — diagnostic
- Stems thick, succulent , hairy, growing erect 20–40 cm
- Small blue to purple flowers with 5 petals, borne in leaf axils on emersed portions
- Grows slowly and steadily compared to most stem plants
- Leaves slightly clasp the stem; densely packed when grown under strong light
Habitat
Freshwater marshes, pond margins, ditches, and slow streams. Grows submersed, emersed, or as a creeping marginal plant in shallow water.
Notes
A classic, undemanding aquarium stem plant valued for its compact growth and tolerance of varied conditions. The lemon scent distinguishes it from other Bacopa species. Grows much more slowly than most stem plants, requiring less frequent trimming. Under high light and CO2, leaves develop an attractive copper-gold coloration. Hardy down to USDA zone 6 and can be grown as a marginal pond plant in temperate climates.