Description

Limnophila aromatica ‘Purple’ is a vibrant and visually striking aquatic stem plant popular in aquascaping for its rich coloration and aromatic properties. It is also known as the Rice Paddy Herb and used in Southeast

Vibrant Coloration: The most notable feature is its color, which can range from green to deep purple or reddish-brown, especially the undersides of the leaves. Intense lighting and CO₂ supplementation are crucial for achieving the most vibrant purple/red hues.

Aromatic Leaves: When the leaves are crushed, the plant releases a subtle, pleasant aroma, often described as having notes of lemon or cumin.

Growth Habit: It is an upright, fast-growing stem plant that can reach heights of up to 20 inches (50 cm), making it suitable for the midground or background of an aquarium. Regular pruning encourages a bushy, compact appearance.

Leaf Structure: It features narrow, lanceolate (spear-shaped) leaves arranged in whorls around the stem.

Versatile Growth: It can be grown fully submerged in aquariums or emersed (partially out of water) in wet, boggy soil, such as around pond edges. Aesthetic Appeal: The unique purple and red tones provide a high-impact color contrast, helping to create a visually dynamic and aesthetically pleasing underwater landscape in aquariums.

Aquarium Health: As an active, fast-growing plant, it converts carbon dioxide into oxygen efficiently, helping to maintain a healthy and oxygenated environment for fish and other aquatic life.

Habitat Provision: The bushy growth and dense leaves offer ideal hiding spots and shelter for small fish, fry (baby fish), and invertebrates.

Culinary Use: Outside of aquariums, it is widely used as a culinary herb, particularly in Vietnamese cuisine (where it’s called Ngò ôm), adding a distinct lemon and cumin flavor to soups and salads.

Traditional Medicine: In some regions, leaf sap or decoctions are used in traditional medicine to clean wounds or treat fever, due to the plant’s antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.