Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 30 - 70cm
Position: Full sun
Soil preference: Moist

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Rau Om Rice Paddy Herb Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Limnophila aromatica

Rau Om Rice Paddy Herb is a small spreading plant that can be quite variable in leaf type and colour. The stems may reach 30-70cm in height, with single glabrous leaves arranged oppositely or in small whorls around the stem. The stems may be quite simple or multi-branched. Leaf shape may range from ovate-lanceolate to ovate- elliptical, with the long thin leaves adding some delicate appearance. The colour of the leaves may be variable with most being grey green, but some variations include those with a pink toning. The tubular flower of this tropical plant is pale mauve blue to pale pink.

This herb may also be known as Ba Om, Ngo Om or Rau Om, but the scientific name is Limnophila aromatica. It may go by the synonym Limnophila chinensis var. aromatica. The genus name comes from the Greek word ‘limne’ which means ‘pond’ and the species name is derived from the Greek ‘philos’ for ‘friend’. Together they refer to the association of the plant with water.

This plant is used as a culinary herb, especially in Vietnam, but Rice Paddy Herb is also able to be used in aquariums. Many hobby aquarists will refer to L. aromatica, however the plant usually used in the aquarium industry is actually Limnophila hippuridoides. It has more prominent leaf whorls that show off the attractive pink tone to the often pale leaves.

The native habitat of Rau Om Rice Paddy Herb is South East Asia and occasionally northern Australia. It prefers tropical climates and favours environments where there are natural still water bodies. In the 1970s it was introduced to the United States, so it is possible to have naturalized populations. IN its native environment it also has the ability to colonise rice paddy fields, which has resulted in the common name. It does very well, especially after the harvest when the ground is still moist but not flooded. Local people often collect the plant for drying from the rice paddy fields, where it can be very prolific.

Growing Conditions

Rau Om Rice Paddy Herb is a tropical plant that loves both heat and humidity. It can be hard to establish in areas which do not have the right climate. Gardeners in regions with cool winters may need to offer protection, especially from frost. Under some conditions this plant grows quickly and dies after flowering, but it can remain evergreen in the right region. Propagation is easy because Rice Paddy Herb grows easily from cuttings and sets root when placed in water. Once roots have grown then it can be placed in pots with soil and slowly introduced to direct sun in the garden. If direct sun is too intense then partial shade is suitable. The soil can be variable from light and sandy to medium texture. This is also a good plant for growing around the edge of ponds in 1-2 cm of water.

Culinary Uses

Rau Om Rice Paddy Herb is used mostly in Vietnamese cooking, particularly for dishes like Sour Fish Soup. It has a flavour reminiscent of citrus and a taste similar to cumin. The main essential oil is limonene, which contributes to the flavour.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.