| Pogostemon helferi | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Pogostemon |
| Species: | P. helferi |
| Binomial name | |
| Pogostemon helferi Hook.f. | |
Pogostemon helferi, also known as dao-noi, is a species of Thai aquatic plant. It is a common ornamental plant in aquariums.
The type locality is Sangkhla Buri district, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. [1]
Pogostemon helferi is distributed across Myanmar and western Thailand. [2] A 2005 survey conducted in Thailand found the species in north, north-east, east, and west Thailand. However, a 2007 survey found the species only in the Kanchanaburi province, found near Myanmar. [2] A 2024 review found the species distribution extending to the Indian Himalayan Region. [3]
Because of the high demand for the plants in aquarium trade, the species has been declining in population in its natural habitat, potentially facing local extinction. [2]
Pogostemon helferi is a common ornamental plant. It is commonly known by its local name, dao-noi, meaning "little star". It is a popular plant in aquariums, and is of high demand in the aquarium trade. As of 2016, the economic value of the production of the species was valued at ฿ 252,000 whilst the annual market demand was more than ฿500,000. [2]
The species has dimorphic leaves, two distinct types, the first being emerged, which are less durable, and submerged. [4] It has irregularly shaped epidermis cells. [1] Most stocks of the species are harvested from the wild. [2]