Paracress, Panicled spot flower
Acmella paniculata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist and boggy ground. It can be in rice fields. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The shoots and leaves are cooked with meat and eaten. The flowers are boiled or cooked with rice.

Shoots are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, shoots, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Akkalkara, An-ka-sa-kir, Ansache, Ansa tlang, An-sa-te, Bapchuki, Bab soki, Eripacha, Haperphang, Klunbgua, Mersha ao, Pajong nam, Rasun, Samberma, Usni sag

Synonyms

Acmella paniculata f. calva J. Kost.; Spilanthes acmella var. (several); Spilanthes calva DC.; Spilanthes grandifolia Miq.; Spilanthes lobata Blanco; Spilanthes paniculata Wall. ex DC.; Spilanthes rugosa Blume ex DC.;