Contents
Description
Acmella Oleracea, commonly known as the toothache plant, is a small herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Peru. It is popular for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. The plant has a unique taste and leaves that have a numbing effect on the tongue, making it a popular ingredient in many cuisines.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Acmella |
Appearance
Acmella Oleracea is a small plant that grows up to 30-40 cm in height. It has bright yellow or gold flowers that bloom in the summer months. The leaves of the plant are small and green, with a slightly serrated edge. The leaves have a unique taste and a numbing effect on the tongue due to the presence of spilanthol, a natural anesthetic compound. The plant also produces small black seeds that can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
Acmella Oleracea is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: This plant prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, make sure not to overwater it as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant grows well in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. You can also add some organic matter to the soil to improve its texture and fertility.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure to place it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Acmella Oleracea grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acmella Oleracea is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies. If you notice any signs of infestation, you can use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them. The plant can also be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.
Habitat
Acmella Oleracea is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Peru. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers moist soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Acmella Oleracea?
A: Acmella Oleracea has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It has been used to treat toothaches, sore throats, and other ailments.
Q: Can Acmella Oleracea be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Acmella Oleracea can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a spot that receives sufficient sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Acmella Oleracea?
A: Acmella Oleracea prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, make sure not to overwater it as it can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the best time to harvest Acmella Oleracea?
A: Acmella Oleracea can be harvested throughout the growing season, but the best time to harvest is when the flowers are in full bloom.
Related Plants
– Spilanthes acmella- Achillea millefolium- Echinacea purpurea- Calendula officinalis- Arnica montana
References
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281504/- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324254290_ACMELLA_OLERACEA-A_REVIEW_OF_ITS_PHYTOCHEMISTRY_AND_PHARMACOLOGICAL_PROFILE- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6056520/- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115304878- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0972060X.2017.1364234
