Aeae (Bacopa monnieri)Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)Indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands (all the Main Islands except Kahoolawe; also in the Northwest Islands on Midway)Oahu (Cultivated)Growing well in the wettest portion of my Native Hawaiian Fern Garden.The whole herb is used medicinally in India in a variety of ways. It is grown as a medicinal crop and is being research for antioxidant properties, to help the nervous system, and to improve memory and mental functions.EtymologyThe genus Bacopa is a Latinized form of the aboriginal name of these plants used by the indigenous people of French Guiana.The specific epithet monnieri is probably named for the French naturalist Louis-Guillaume Le Monnier (1717-1799).nativeplants.hawaii.edu/
