Limnophila aromatica (Lamk.) Merr. (Syn. Limnophila chinensis
var. aromatica) also belongs to the family
Scrophulariaceae is native to Southeast Asia used as a spice
and medicinal herb (Philcox, 1970). It is used in Vietnamese
cuisine and also cultivated for use as an aquarium plant. The
plant was introduced to North America in the 1970s due to
Vietnamese immigration following the Vietnam War (Kuebel
and Arthur, 1988). L. aromatica has a flavor and aroma reminiscent
of both lemon and cumin. Several species of
Limnophila are found in silent waters of Southeast Asia;
some of them are common aquarium plants in the West. The
plant is also used in Asia for menstrual problems, wounds,