Acmella oleracea

Toothache Plant

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Common Name: 

Toothache Plant

Flower color: 

Foliage color: 

Brown Green

Sun (From 0 to 5): 

Water (From 0 to 5): 

Maximum temperature: 

30°C

Minimum temperature: 

7°C

Maximum height: 

40 cm

Maximum width: 

75 cm

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea) - Description

Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes oleracea, S. acmella) is a species of flowering herb in the family Asteraceae. Common names include toothache plant and paracress. In Brazil it is called jambú. Its native distribution is unclear, but it is likely derived from a Brazilian Acmella species. It is grown as an ornamental and it is used as a medicinal remedy in various parts of the world. A small, erect plant, it grows quickly and bears gold and red inflorescences. It is frost-sensitive but perennial in warmer climates.

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea) - Blooming

Blooms red flowers.

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea) - Growth

Does fine with full sun. In warmer climates it is grown as a perennial. Frost sensitive.

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea) - Planting

Sow seeds when ripe in containers in spring.

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea) - Interesting facts

These plants are called Toothache Plants because they contain compounds, specifically spilanthol, that have painkilling properties. Additionally, a popular variety of Toothache Plants is called 'Peek-A-Boo' because the inflorescences of flowers oddly look like red and yellow eyes that are peering up from the ground.

Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea) - Soil and irrigation

Give moderate water.

Acmella oleracea - Toothache Plant - Photos