Spilanthes oleracea – Toothache plant (seed)

Description

Spilanthes oleracea plants have an interesting chemistry, containing flavenoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones and amides, notably spilanthol, which has anaesthetic effects. Chewing one leaf is enough to numb the mouth and cause a tingling sensation on the tongue. The flowers are the most numbing part of the plant. Spilanthol is also a potent insecticide, able to kill mosquito larvae at a concentration of 1/100,000.

Spilanthes oleacea differs from Spilanthe acmella by having a red/yellow coloured flower and darker leaves. From the Asteraceae family, native to South America.

Care and Cultivation of Spilanthes oleracea

Cover Spilanthes oleracea seeds lightly with soil and keep moist until germination. Likes a part shade to full sun position with adequate water. Plants fill up pots quickly and perform best when planted out.

25+ seeds per packet