Bacopa crenata
# Bacopa crenata

Bacopa crenata, the waterhyssop, brahmi, or moneywort, is a perennial or annual medicinal herb indigenous to tropical Africa and Madagascar.

## Description

Bacopa crenata is a non-aromatic herb, growing up to 40 cm (16 in) in height. Its leaves are opposite, oblong, slightly serrated on their margin, and 1.4–1.5 cm (0.55–0.59 in) thick. Its leaves are also lanceolate to ovate and are arranged oppositely (opposite deccusate) on the stem. Its flowers are small, actinomorphic, and range from white to blue or purple, with four to five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant.

## Habitat and ecology

Bacopa crenata grows in marshy areas throughout West Africa, Angola, Madagascar, Kenya, and Tanzania.

## Uses

The leaves of Bacopa crenata are used in Africa to treat conjunctivitus and headaches, and to heal wounds.

