Legetan
Spilanthes iabadicensis

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It is an annual plant or can live for a few years. It is upright and has many branches. It grows 80 cm tall. The leaves are opposite. They are oval and taper to the tip. There are teeth along the edge. The flower arrangement is cone shaped.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in rice fields and other swampy places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Indochina, Malaysia, SE Asia, South America, Thailand, Tropical America, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Young leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Older leaves are pungent. Young flower heads are also eaten.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Cuc ao, Kim hoa, Nut ao, Pakphed

Synonyms

Possibly now Acmella uliginosa;