Overview
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is commonly referred to as toothache plant, electric daisy, and buzz buttons due to its unique properties.
Origin
The plant is native to Brazil, but it has naturalized in some parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Central America. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions and is often grown as an ornamental plant.
Common names
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is known by various common names, including toothache plant, electric daisy, buzz buttons, Para cress, Jambu, and Acmella Oleracea.
Uses
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its leaves and flowers are known for their analgesic and anesthetic properties and have been used to treat toothaches, gum pain, and throat infections.
In addition to medicinal use, the plant is also used as a culinary herb and as a flavoring for liquor and chewing gum. Its leaves and flowers have a unique flavor, which is often described as tingling or numbing, and they are used to add a spicy, citrusy flavor to dishes.
Furthermore, Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as hypertension, malaria, and stomach ache, to name a few.
General appearance
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has small, yellow or gold-colored flowers with a central cone-shaped disk and a ring of ray petals. The plant has a distinctive aroma and flavor, which is due to the presence of the compounds spilanthol and alkylamides.
The leaves of the plant are dark green and glossy, with a toothed margin and a slightly hairy surface. The plant produces small fruits that contain one or two seeds.
Overall, Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is a unique and useful plant with a range of medicinal and culinary applications. Its distinctive flavor and analgesic properties make it a popular addition to many dishes and herbal remedies around the world.
Growth Conditions for Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq.
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is a herbaceous plant native to South America that is commonly known as toothache plant. This plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall.
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sunlight. Therefore, it is advisable to grow it in a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. requires warm temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20-28°C (68-82°F). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 35°C (95°F). Therefore, if grown in colder regions, it should be grown in a greenhouse or indoors with appropriate temperature control.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a range of soil types but grows best in well-drained fertile soils. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which may cause root rot. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate drainage when planting.
Additionally, the plant requires moderate to high moisture levels. Therefore, it should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Cultivation Methods for Spilanthes Exasperatus Jacq.
The plant Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq., also known as toothache plant or paracress, is native to South and Central America and requires a warm and humid environment for optimal growth.
It is recommended to cultivate the plant in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Before planting, loosen the soil up to a depth of 30 cm and remove any debris, mulch, or rocks that may hinder root growth.
Seeds should be started indoors in a warm and moist environment; transplanting to the field should occur after all frost risks have passed (when the soil temperature is above 18°C). The ideal distance between the plants should be 30-40 cm.
Watering Needs for Spilanthes Exasperatus Jacq.
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. requires moderate watering, providing enough moisture to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Avoid overhead watering that may damage the delicate flowers; instead, use drip irrigation or water at the base of the plant. During the dry season, the plant might require additional watering to combat the heat stress.
Fertilization for Spilanthes Exasperatus Jacq.
Regular fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq.
Before planting, incorporate a slow-release organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks, or use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote healthy vegetative growth.
Pruning for Spilanthes Exasperatus Jacq.
Pruning Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is essential to encourage healthy growth, prevent disease, and extend the flowering period.
Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to promote another flush of blooms, as the plant's natural tendency is to self-seed and stop blooming altogether. Pinch off the tips of young plants to encourage bushy growth and remove any diseased or damaged plant material to reduce the risk of pests or diseases from spreading.
Propagation of Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq.
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. can be propagated using various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. can be collected from the parent plant and sown in the soil during spring or early summer. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed or seed trays. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2-3 mm and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings grow to a suitable size, transplant them to their final position in the garden at a spacing of 20-30 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagation is by taking cuttings from the parent plant. Cuttings can be taken during spring or early summer from semi-hardwood stems of the plant, which are usually 10-12 cm long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cuttings in a rooting medium such as sand, vermiculite, or a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Keep the cuttings humid, and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. The cuttings will develop roots in 3-4 weeks, and they can be transplanted to the garden bed or containers.
Division Propagation
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. can also be propagated through division during early spring. Dig up the parent plant, and separate the clumps into smaller sections. Each section needs to have a root system and several stems. Plant each section in a suitable location in the garden and water thoroughly. The divided sections will establish roots and start growing within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq.
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq., commonly known as toothache plant or electric daisy, is a flowering plant with medicinal properties. Although it is generally easy to grow, there are some diseases and pests that can affect its growth and cause damage to the plant.
Common diseases that affect Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq.
One of the most common diseases that affect Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, and it can cause leaf discoloration, spotting, and wilting. To manage leaf spot, prune affected leaves and maintain good hygiene practices by removing dead plant debris in and around the plant. Applying a copper-based fungicide may also help control the disease.
Another disease that can affect Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is root rot. Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in waterlogged soil. The disease can cause the plant roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and eventual death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and improve soil drainage. Drenching the soil with fungicidal solutions may also help control the disease.
Common pests that affect Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq.
Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. is also vulnerable to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers, leading to poor plant growth and reduced yield.
To manage pest infestations, it is important to maintain good garden hygiene and regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control some pests. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to avoid damaging the plant and harming beneficial insects.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, you can help keep your Spilanthes exasperatus Jacq. plant healthy and productive.
