Spot flower, Brazil cress, Toothache plant
Spilanthes paniculata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It is an annual plant. It grows 30-60 cm high. The leaves are oval and have teeth around the edge. The leaf tapers towards the tip and is wedge shaped towards the base. The leaves are 2.5-4 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 1-3 cm long. The flower heads can be in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The flower stalk is 8-15 cm long. The flower receptacle is cone shaped. Flowers are yellow. The fruit is one seeded and dry. Fruit are triangular shaped.

The plant is grown for medicine. It is also used to kill fish and mosquitoes.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in old gardens and along tracks. It grows in wetlands. In Nepal it grows to about 1800 m altitude. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tropics

How it is used for food

The tender parts are used as a potherb. The young leaves are cooked with dry meat. Seeds are used in pickles and curries. The harvested shoots can be stored for 3-4 days. The young flower heads are eaten.

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

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, flowers, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds. It can be grown from stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ansa tlang, Ansah, Ansha, Bhringaraj, Bhuin timur, Chiivio, Getang, Hotaedaw, Huhuni sak, Jari laifang, Jati malkathu, Klungbua, Kuvi-vu, Marcha, Marchang, Marsang, Marshang, Movqnav, Namlang marchang vajungnam, Oshun shak, Pakkradhuawaen, Payngson, Paynson, Phak khad dok noy, Ran, Samberna, Roshun shak, Tian wen cao, Ushomoi, Ushumoi, Usumwi, Yakho hama

Synonyms

Spilanthes acmella (non L.) Murr.; Spilanthes acmella var. paniculata (Wall.ex DC) C.B.Clarke;