Overview
Spilanthes acmella (L.) L. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is also known by several other names, including toothache plant, paracress, electric daisy, and buzz button. This herbaceous plant is native to South America but has now become widely cultivated throughout the world.
Appearance
The spilanthes acmella plant is a small, short-lived shrub, growing up to 1 meter tall. It has bright green leaves that are ovate in shape, with serrated edges and a pointed tip. The plant produces small yellow-orange flowers with cone-shaped centers, which are surrounded by a ring of bright red or purple petals. The entire plant has a distinctive, pungent odor and a spicy, numbing taste.
Uses
The spilanthes acmella plant has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for various medicinal and culinary purposes. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat toothache, sore throat, and other oral health issues. The plant contains compounds such as spilanthol and isobutylamide, which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
In culinary applications, spilanthes acmella is used as a flavoring agent, particularly in salads, stir-fries, and other dishes that require a unique flavor profile. The leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant can all be used in cooking, providing a tingling sensation and a mild, numbing effect on the tongue and lips.
Recent research has also suggested that spilanthes acmella may have potential as a natural insecticide. The plant's extract has been shown to repel certain pests, such as the tomato fruit worm and the bean beetle.
Light Requirements
Spilanthes acmella requires full sun exposure to grow effectively. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade and needs at least 6 hours of exposure to sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Spilanthes acmella is 20 to 30°C. It is a tropical plant and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Temperatures below 10°C can damage or even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Spilanthes acmella grows best in a well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5. It can grow in a range of soil textures from loam to sandy. However, it cannot grow in waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods for Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella is a hardy plant that can grow in both full sun and partial shade. It is a quick-growing plant that thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can also grow in a variety of soils, including loam and sandy soils. To encourage optimal growth, it is important to cultivate the plant at the right time.
The ideal time to plant Spilanthes acmella is in the spring, after the last frost. You can either sow seeds directly in the garden or start the plant indoors, eight weeks before the last frost. When transplanting, space the plants 12 inches apart to give them enough room to spread out.
Watering Needs of Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella requires regular watering to encourage healthy growth and development. However, too much water can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant. It is important to pay attention to the soil moisture and water the plant only when necessary.
The recommended watering schedule for Spilanthes acmella is once a week, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out. It is important to avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can lead to fungal growth and disease.
Fertilization of Spilanthes acmella
Spilanthes acmella requires regular feeding to promote robust growth and optimal performance. The plant is not picky about the type of fertilizer, and you can use either organic or synthetic fertilizer.
The best time to fertilize Spilanthes acmella is after planting and then every six weeks, throughout the growing season. During fertilization, it is important to avoid getting the fertilizer on the foliage, as this can burn the leaves and damage the plant. Alternatively, you can use slow-releasing fertilizers that release nutrients gradually, over an extended period.
Pruning of Spilanthes acmella
Pruning Spilanthes acmella is not necessary, as the plant has a naturally compact and bushy growth habit. However, regular pruning can help to remove dead or damaged parts of the plant, stimulate new growth, and maintain the plant's overall appearance.
When pruning, use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts, and avoid damaging the stem or the foliage. Pruning is best done in early spring, before the new growth begins, to encourage growth in the right direction and shape the plant.
Propagation of Spilanthes acmella (L.) L.
Spilanthes acmella is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. The plant is propagated by two common methods, namely, seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Spilanthes acmella are small, black and oblong in shape. The plant produces a considerable amount of seeds, which can be collected after the flowering season. To collect the seeds, the flower heads are allowed to dry on the plant, and they are removed carefully by hand once they turn brown.
The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place for about a year. Before planting, they should be soaked in water for a few hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds can be directly sowed in the soil or in seed trays filled with potting mix. They require a warm and moist environment to germinate, and the seedlings should be watered regularly to prevent them from drying out.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another common method of propagating Spilanthes acmella. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the active growing season. The best time to propagate by cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be about 5-7 cm long and should have at least one node. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to speed up the process of rooting. The cuttings can be planted in seed trays filled with a potting mix and should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they have rooted. The newly rooted cuttings can then be transplanted to a bigger pot or directly in the garden.
Propagation by both the seed and cutting methods can be successful if the correct environmental conditions are provided.
Disease Management
Spilanthes acmella is relatively resistant to diseases and pest attacks, however, some common problems can occur under certain conditions that may require proper management. Below are some of the common diseases and appropriate ways to manage them:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a common disease that affects the leaves of Spilanthes acmella, causing circular dark brown or black spots on the leaves. It is caused by fungal or bacterial infections. To manage leaf spot, it is advisable to eliminate all the infected plant debris and to avoid wetting the leaves during watering. You may also apply fungicide or copper spray to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that forms a white powdery coating on the leaves of Spilanthes acmella, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. Proper plant spacing, adequate ventilation, and reducing humidity can help prevent powdery mildew. You can also use a fungicide to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Spilanthes acmella is susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage if not controlled. Below are some common pests that affect the plant and appropriate ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that attack the young leaves and shoots of Spilanthes acmella, leading to wilting and stunted growth. You may use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage aphids infestation. You may also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, to control the population of aphids.
Leaf miners
Leaf miners are insects that feed on the internal tissues of the leaves, leading to the formation of visible tracks and patches on the leaves. You can manage leaf miners infestation by removing damaged leaves and applying neem oil or insecticidal soap to the plant.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of Spilanthes acmella leaves, leading to webbing, discoloration, and leaf drop. You may control spider mites by regular watering and increasing humidity levels. You may also apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage the population of spider mites.
