Origin and Common Names
Acmella pusilla (Hook. & Arn.) R.K. Jansen, commonly known as Para Cress, is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to South America, specifically from Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. This plant has been introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world. Para Cress is also known by its other common names, such as Jambu, Spilanthes acmella, Toothache Plant, Paracress Flower, and Electric Daisy.
Uses
Acmella pusilla has a long history of use in traditional medicine throughout South America. It has been used as a remedy for toothache, colds, and various digestive disorders. In recent times, it has gained popularity in the culinary world due to its unique flavor and sensory experience. The leaves and flowers of Acmella pusilla have an intense numbing effect on the tongue and mouth, similar to the effects of Szechuan pepper or a mild electric shock. This sensation is commonly used in cooking to enhance the flavors of foods and drinks, particularly in cocktails and desserts. Additionally, studies have shown that this plant has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
General Appearance
Acmella pusilla is a small, fast-growing annual plant that usually grows up to 30-40 cm in height. It has thin, wiry stems that branch out from the base and are covered with small green leaves that are oval or lance-shaped. The flowers of Acmella pusilla are distinctive and beautiful, and they bloom throughout the year in shades of yellow or gold. The flowers are small and daisy-like, with a raised central cone that is surrounded by tiny, delicate petals. The entire plant has a pleasant fragrance that is slightly citrusy and sweet.
In conclusion, Acmella pusilla is a versatile and useful plant that has many traditional medicinal uses and has recently emerged as a popular culinary ingredient. Its unique flavor and sensory experience, as well as its various properties, have made it a sought-after plant in many parts of the world.Growth Conditions for Acmella pusilla (Hook. & Arn.) R.K. Jansen
Acmella pusilla is a small flowering plant that is native to South America. The plant has several growth requirements to thrive in its natural habitat.
Light
Acmella pusilla prefers bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it requires consistent light to grow well. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and affect the development of the plant.
Temperature
Acmella pusilla grows best in warm temperatures between 70 – 80° Fahrenheit (21 – 27° Celsius). The plant can tolerate cool temperatures, but it may affect its growth rate and sensitivity to diseases. During the winter, it is important to keep the plant in a warm and humid location to promote growth.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Acmella pusilla should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant requires moderate moisture to grow well, but it should not be water-logged to avoid root rot. Acmella pusilla also thrives in soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 5.5 – 6.5.
Final Words
Acmella pusilla can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground. To promote the healthy growth of your plant, you must ensure that it gets sufficient light, warmth, and nutrients from its soil. Proper care and maintenance can help your plant to grow well and produce beautiful flowers.
Cultivation of Acmella Pusilla
Acmella Pusilla, commonly known as Spilanthes Acmella or Toothache Plant, is an annual herb that is native to the Amazon region. To cultivate this plant, one must start with a well-draining soil mix and choose a location with partial sun to full sun exposure.
Plant the seeds or cuttings at least six inches apart from each other and water them regularly until they germinate. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not water-logged.
As the plant grows, it forms a dense shrub-like structure that doesn't grow higher than 12 inches in height.
Watering Needs of Acmella Pusilla
Acmella Pusilla plants require regular watering, especially during the summer months when the soil tends to dry out faster. Ensure that the top layer of soil is moist, but not water-logged.
During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering since the plant's growth slows down during this period.
Fertilization of Acmella Pusilla
Acmella Pusilla plants require regular fertilization to maintain their growth. Choose a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Apply the fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization since this may lead to root burn.
Pruning Acmella Pusilla
Pruning Acmella Pusilla is not necessary since the plant grows into a shrub-like structure on its own. However, you may prune the plant to shape it or to control its growth.
Use a sterile pair of pruning shears to cut back the stems and foliage. Avoid cutting back the plant too much since this may stress it and affect its growth.
Propagation of Acmella pusilla
Acmella pusilla, commonly known as eyeball plant or toothache plant, is a tropical perennial herb originating from South America. It is an attractive plant with yellow or red button-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to late fall. If you want to propagate Acmella pusilla, you can choose from the following methods:
Division
One of the easiest ways to multiply Acmella pusilla is by division. This method is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant starts to actively grow. Dig up the entire clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections. Each division must have roots and a sufficient number of stems or shoots. Replant the divisions immediately in a well-draining soil mixture, and water thoroughly.
Cuttings
You can propagate Acmella pusilla by taking stem cuttings. Cut a stem of about 4-6 inches long from a healthy and mature plant, making sure it has at least 2-3 pairs of leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a container with a well-draining soil mix and keep it in a warm and bright location. Mist the cutting regularly or cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Roots usually develop within 3-4 weeks, after which you can transplant the young plants to their permanent location.
Seed
Acmella pusilla can also be grown from seed, although it requires a bit more effort and patience. Collect the seed pods when they turn brown and dry on the plant. Store the pods in a cool and dry place until you are ready to plant. Sow the seeds on the surface of a moist soil mix and cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite or perlite. Place the container in a warm and bright location but protect it from direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks, after which you can transplant the seedlings to their individual containers or to the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Acmella pusilla
Acmella pusilla, also known as Toothache plant or Spilanthes, is an herb widely used in traditional medicine due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties. However, like other plants, Acmella pusilla is also susceptible to various pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management practices can help prevent or minimize the damage caused by these problems.
Common Pests
The two most common pests that affect Acmella pusilla are aphids and spider mites. Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. Spider mites, on the other hand, are small arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to yellow and dry out.
To manage aphids and spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These organic solutions can be sprayed on the plants to kill the pests but are harmless to beneficial insects and humans. Alternatively, you can also release ladybugs, lacewings, or predatory mites to eat the aphids and spider mites.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Acmella pusilla are powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can occur in humid conditions and if the plant is grown too close together. Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to the roots' decay.
To manage powdery mildew, you can remove the infected leaves and introduce proper air circulation by spacing the plants apart. Sulfur-based fungicides can also be sprayed on the plant to control the infection. For root rot, you need to improve the drainage by ensuring the soil is not waterlogged and allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Conclusion
In summary, while Acmella pusilla is a robust, versatile plant, it is not immune to pests and diseases that can pose a significant threat to its growth and health. Therefore, it is essential to keep a close eye on the plant and integrate disease and pest management practices into your regular maintenance routine to ensure optimal plant growth and survival.
