With more rain in the offing during our summer months, it might be time to consider planting something that likes moist soil. The low growing native Hawaiian bacopa is just such a plant. It can even tolerate brackish water and often grows wild in marshes or on sand or rocky banks near the ocean.
Bacopa monnieri is in the Scrophulariaceae family, sometimes known in English as either the Figwort or the Snapdragon family. Though the Bacopa genus has about 60 different species, the family is relatively small. It does include plants in the Torenia genus, however, like the lovely ornamental Torenia fournieri. Both thrive in moist soil with good drainage.
Though bacopa grows on all of the Hawaiian Islands it is considered an indigenous plant because it is native to other tropical areas as well. Bacopa’s adaptability to a variety of conditions has made it popular as a ground cover in many warm environments around the world.
Known as ‘ae‘ae in Hawaiian, bacopa is also known by the English name water hyssop. Well named, as this plant grows naturally near water or where it gets regular water. It is somewhat aquatic and can even tolerate growing in shallow water. It can also thrive in moist sand or damp soil that can drain excess moisture.
In a sunny spot where plenty of moisture is available, the plant will fill an area quickly. Bacopa is the perfect ground cover to use on a sunny slope where erosion is an issue. The plant has fast growing roots that can help hold unstable soil in place.
It is an attractive low growing succulent that forms mats of stems and leaves about four inches high. The fleshy light green leaves are shaped like small spatulas and the tiny blue-white flowers arise singly from the mat on a short stalk. The blooms appear throughout the year but are profuse when warmed by the summer sun. When bacopa is in full flower, bees will often visit.
It is a good choice to install in an unplanted area where her greenery and tiny flowers will add beauty to the spot. It is not a good candidate, however, for an area where people or large animals walk. The small succulent leaves are easily crushed by foot traffic. For pathways, bacopa will do well planted between pavers.
Here in Hawaii ‘ae‘ae often grows on coastal cliffs where she thrives on the waterlogged conditions and enjoys the salt spray. Though it does spread rapidly, its soft, herbaceous stems are easy to cut and occasional trimming can easily keep it contained.
In your garden you may find that bacopa will easily work as a ground cover or in a pot of taller plants where it can spill over the edge. It can also be attractive when draping out of a hanging basket as long as the soil stays moist.
It is easy to propagate bacopa. In fact, it can propagate itself. The tiny seed pods that follow flowers often fall and spread their own seeds. The nodes on the stems will often root and put out new shoots that will spread in place or can be removed and planted elsewhere. Despite its reproductive ability and its spreading growth habit, bacopa is not considered invasive since it is easy to control.
Other than maintaining moist soil and the occasional cutting back, bacopa is relatively maintenance free. It needs vey little fertilizer and does not usually attract sucking or chewing insects. Snails may occasionally try your bacopa but it is not a favorite food source for mollusks.
It is edible for us, however. Though the crushed leaves have a lemon scent, they do not have a lemony flavor. I find the taste rather bitter. Because bacopa has some medicinal value, it is included in recipes in many cultures. People sometimes add it to salad or blend it into smoothies or use it as an ingredient in pesto. It can be cooked into soups, stews and stir fries as well.
Bacopa monnieri has a long history in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems. It is known as a cognitive enhancer or nootropic substance. Recent clinical research has found that the herb boosts brain function, improves cognition and can help with anxiety and stress. It is often dried and powdered to be included in over-the-counter brain enhancing supplements.
If you want to cover a bare spot in your garden or simply include a flowering native Hawaiian ground cover in a container or somewhere in your garden, bacopa may fit the bill. Check with local nurseries or find one to propagate from and get your own bacopa plant going.
Gardening events
Saturdays: Work Day at Amy Greenwell Garden, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Garden Visitor Center across from the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. Come with a mask and be prepared to practice social distancing. Volunteers can help with garden maintenance and are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks provided. Visit the website www.amygreenwell.garden/get-involved/volunteer-1/ and sign up for the weekly email for more information on work days.
Saturday, June 1 to 8: The Ka‘u Coffee Festival has a week of events. Go to www.kaucoffeefest.com for more information.
Friday, June 7: The Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association Annual Meeting and Conference, is set from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marriot Resort, Waikoloa Beach. Featuring presentations on pest management, disease control, cooperatives and the macadamia market. The cost is $50 and includes lunch. Register at hawaiimacnut.org.
• Perennial Peanut plants are available at the Kona Extension office in Kealakekua. Contact Matt at mnmiyahi@hawaii.edu to reserve your tray. Limited quantities available. First come, first served.
Save these dates
Thursday, June 13: The Financing Your Small Farm webinar starts at 10 a.m. with Eric Bowman from the Feed the Hunger Fund. Explore loan options for starting or expanding agricultural operations, focusing on small farms. Discuss ag lenders criteria. More information at cybersafehawaii.org. Space is limited. Apply now.
Wednesdays, June 12 – July 6 (4 weeks): Agrifloristry, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (online), Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Various locations around Oahu, Cost: $150. Learn ways to plan your flower farm. Contact gofarmhawaii.org for more information or to apply.
Thursday, Friday &Saturday, July 18-20: The 29th Annual Hawaii Coffee Association Conference will ne held at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Currently seeking lecturers and conference volunteers for the trade show and statewide cupping competition. For more information, visit https://hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/Conference-2024.
Farmer direct markets
(Check websites for the latest hours and online markets)
Wednesday and Friday: Ho‘oulu Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.- Sheraton Kona Resort at Keauhou Bay
Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center; Kamuela Farmer’s Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables; Waimea Town Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Parker School in central Waimea; Waimea Homestead Farmers Market, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Waimea middle and elementary school playground.
Sunday: Pure Kona Green Market, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook; Hamakua Harvest, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hwy 19 and Mamane Street in Honokaa.
Plant advice lines
Anytime: konamg@hawaii.edu; Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4893, or walk in Mon., Tues. and Fri: 9 a.m. to noon at UH CE.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living part time in Kailua-Kona.