Description
Acmella oleracea ‘Bicolour’. 3.7L coir pot.
Native to South American, this low-spreading perennial is believed to have anti-inflammatory, purgative, immune-enhancing and anti-fungal properties. It is also believed to aid in treating ringworm.
Often taken as a tea, the leaves can also be chewed. When chewed, the leaves numb the gums and aid with mouth and tooth pain. It only offers short term pain relief and does not remove the need to be seen by a qualified medical practitioner.
The leaves can also be used in salads (to add a bit of a buzz), cooked greens, stews or in cocktails (in small amounts). The flavour is strong, so only a small amount needs to be used when eaten fresh. When cooked, the intensity is much milder.
Great for pots, Spilanthes enjoys a full sun to part shade location in well draining fertile soil. It’ll grow to about 50cm high by 55cm wide.
The red and yellow flowers are interesting, and combined with the green – burgundy foliage, the plant is of real interest.
