Paracress
Spilanthes acmella

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect annual herb. It grows 40 cm high. The leaves are opposite. They are simple and hairy. The flowers are yellow. They occur in dense single heads in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches.

NB There is some confusion over the synonyms. Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murray in Ochse is a synonym of Blainvillea acemella (L.) Philipson.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows throughout the tropics and in the subtropics. It grows along roadsides and in scrub. In Vietnam it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Amazon, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Africa, Cuba, East Africa, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, SE Asia, South America, Thailand, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The less bitter kind is used as a pot-herb. It is used to spice salads. The young leaves are also eaten raw. They are also used for soups.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, spice, vegetable, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Akarkarha, Akkalkara, Alphabet plant, Ankasa, Ansateh, Ansa tlang, Australian cress, Cabrito, Chin-lengbi, Cuc ao hoa vang, Ear-stud flower, Gatang, Gletang, Hemmugulu, Hoko so, Jotang, Kerabu, Klungbua, Kuppa manjel, Legetan, Manjal karisalai, Maratimogga, Maratiteega, Namlang, Pakat-hua-waen, Pakrad, Paktumhu, Phak khad hun, Phak khraat, Pipulka, Pirazha, Pokarmul, Pokok getang, Raipuru, Samberma, Sarunen, Saruni sapi, Toothache plant, Vanamugali

Synonyms

See Spilanthes mauritianus Spilanthes mauritiana DC.; Spilanthes oleracea L.; Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen;