...Jenny's Garden Home...

Image of Spilanthes oleracea 'Peek-A-Boo' 
or Eyeball Plant, Para Cress, Toothache Plant or Acmella oleracea or Bidens acmella or Bidens ocymifolia or Spilanthes acemella Oleracea or  Spilanthes ocymifolia coming soon...

Synonyms:  Acmella oleracea, Bidens acmella, Bidens ocymifolia, Spilanthes acemella Oleracea, Spilanthes ocymifolia
Origin:  Native to South America
Family:  Asteraceae
Light:  Sun-part shade 
Height:  1-1.5' 
Spread:  12-15" 
Blooms:  Golden, single, cone-shaped, eyeball-shaped on short terminal stems, year round
Foliage:  Aromatic, evergreen, copper-tinted, ovate with wavy margin
Soil:  Well-drained, mildly acidic, neutral
Water:  Regular, more in Summer
Propagation:  Seeds (Sow directly onto ground after last frost/ indoors before last frost), cuttings
Uses:  Container, borders, herb garden, woodland setting, shade garden
Comments:   Spilanthes oleracea 'Peek-A-Boo' or Eyeball Plant, Para Cress, Toothache Plant or Acmella oleracea or Bidens acmella or Bidens ocymifolia or Spilanthes acemella Oleracea or  Spilanthes ocymifolia is a small annual herbaceous plant with a sprawling growth habit.  It is a native of South America.  In mid-Summer, Spilanthes oleracea 'Peek-A-Boo' bears interesting bright yellow with rusty-red center, cone-shaped, resembles an eyeball, hence the common name.  The flowers are cones which bloom year round and each cone is borne on the end of a short fragile stem,  followed later by feathery seeds.  Eyeball Plant is easily propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.  It performs best in well-drained acidic soil, in a sunny to part shade location.  Para Cress loves humidity and does not tolerate frost; mulch well to protect from frost.  Water well in the heat of Summer.  It self sows freely and you will have many volunteer plants next year to share with your friends.  It is a perennial in warmer areas and is fast growing.  Mass plant in the herb garden or shade garden for an eye-catching vista.  Use them in a woodland setting for added drama.  Toothache Plant can also be container cultivated for the shady porch.  This exotic looking plant has many uses.  The aromatic green leaves of  Acmella oleracea are rich in vitamins and are edible raw or cooked.  They have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for many years as traditional folklore medicine and for culinary purposes.   Bidens acmella leaves taste tangy and are used in salads or sandwiches.  It aids digestion, treat thrush and candida.  The leaves are popularly used by northern Brazilians to cook their favorite stews.  For a fast numbing action of the gums, rub the leaves of Bidens ocymifolia on the affected area; numbness usually last for few seconds.  For temporary relief of toothache, chew leaves then let it stay between gums and mouth area.  Also Spilanthes acemella is popularly used for reliving teething problems in babies and helps fight tooth decay.  The leaves when rubbed on cuts, acne and sores help prevent infections and clear bacteria, hence speed up healing process.  The flowers of this novelty plant can be eaten to counter the aftermath of consuming hot chilly peppers and also used to flavor chewing tobacoo.  Spilanthes ocymifolia plant contains the active compound Spilanthol and can be ground and use in topical cosmetics applications.   Studies are being done on the bright prospect of botox-like effect of the dry or liquid form of the oil-rich Spilanthus oleracea plant extract for the possible manufacturing of skin products for anti-aging and the promotion of hair growth.  Spilanthes oleracea 'Peek-A-Boo' is a  wonder plant popularly cultivated in different parts of the world for its ornamental value and partly of its medicinal value   It is grown as an annual in colder areas.
USDA Hardiness Zones :  9b-11