A water-loving native plant, ʻaeʻae are suitable for moist to very wet areas, ponds, and indoor or outdoor aquariums. The plants will form a large, dense mat when provided with sufficient water and sunlight.

Growth Requirements

General

    A water-loving native plant, ʻaeʻae thrives in moist to very wet areas, making it ideal for erosion control. It can also be used in ponds, and indoor or outdoor aquariums [Hiscock 2003] as free-floating mats. It does well in large containers and will spread rapidly [Crowl 2007]. When provided with sufficient water and sunlight, it forms large, dense mats that work well among stepping stones or as an open groundcover. ʻAeʻae prefers part to full sun, as too much shade can result in leggy plants and a loose groundcover. The more sun it receives, the stockier the plants and groundcover will be. However, vigorous plants may become weedy and require trimming to control growth. It can also tolerate mowing and string-trimming.

    While ʻaeʻae is not a heavy feeder, balanced fertilizers can be beneficial if used sparingly and at low doses. However, it is not recommended to use fertilizers in or near ponds and aquariums, as algae may quickly overtake the plants. ʻAeʻae can tolerate slightly brackish water (15 ppt), salt spray, and some foot traffic, but they are not drought-tolerant.

Pests and Diseases

    There are not many pests that bother these plants, except for an occasional aphid infestation. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments.  

Special Features and Information

General

    With some 60 species, the genus Bacopa is a member of the Plantaginaceae or Plantain family, which includes foxglove (Digitalis), snapdragon (Antirrhinum), hebe (Hebe), and psyllium (Plantago psyllium). Among the native family members are three endemic species of uncommon to rare and endangered Plantago spp. known collectively as laukahi kuahiwi.

    ʻAeʻae provides a superb habitat and hiding spots for invertebrates that serve as a vital food source for native waterfowl, like as ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian moorhen) and ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot).

Hawaiian Name

    While the name ʻaeʻae is of Niʻihau origin, it is also the name used locally on all the Hawaiian Islands for this species [Wagner et al. 1990]. 

Etymology

    The genus name Bacopa is a Latinized form of the aboriginal name of these plants used by the indigenous people of French Guiana, and the specific epithet monnieri is probably named for the French naturalist Louis-Guillaume Le Monnier (1717–1799) [Gurib-Fakim & Brendler 2004].