False Daisy (Eclipta alba) 9 cm

Common Name: False Daisy, Mo Han Lian, Bhringraj in Ayurveda

Latin Name: Eclipta alba, Eclipta prostrata

Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)

Description: Native to tropical and subtropical regions across India, Nepal, and China  A small, low-growing, branched, erect annual summer herb with small daisy like white flowers and lanceolate, rough, hairy opposite leaves.

Hardiness: Tender

Soil: Fertile, damp, likes water logged soils

Position: Full sun, sheltered, green house or polytunnel.

Height:  typically 30-60 cm

Maintenance: transplant to a sheltered, sunny spot with fertile, moisture-retentive soil once temperatures stay above 10 °C. Keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest just before it blooms.

Uses: Used in Ayurvedic traditions for its hair-growth, liver-protective, and skin-rejuvenating properties.