Centipeda minima
(L.) A. Braun & Ascheron
Sneezeweed
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Summary
A low-growing annual reaching 0.1 m tall with a 0.5 m spread. Hermaphroditic flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, preferring moist soil.
Description
A herb. It often lies along the ground. It grows each year from seed. The stems can be erect or spreading from a single taproot. The leaves are alternate and broadly oval with teeth towards the end. The flower heads occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are white. The fruit is a dry.
Edible Uses
No edible uses are known for this plant.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are mixed with other vegetables and cooked and eaten. The leaves can be stored for 3-4 days.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant is anodyne, antitussive, depurative and diuretic, and stimulates blood circulation. Inhaling the aroma of squeezed flower heads induces sneezing and is used to relieve nasal congestion, particularly during coughs and colds. A paste made from the flower heads is applied externally to treat swellings and skin inflammations.
Known Hazards
The plant is said to have caused poisoning of livestock in northern Australia.
Distribution
It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in wet places. It can be in shallow water and flowers as the water recedes. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Fiji, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Russia, Samoa, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand,
Cultivation
The plant can be a weed of cultivated crops, but is considered to be only a minor weed because it does not root deeply, and it stays small
Propagation
Sow seed in a seed tray in mid spring and plant out after the last expected frosts. If sufficient seed is available, it can be sown in situ outdoors in late spring.
Other Uses
No other uses are known for this plant.
Notes
It has medicinal properties against allergies and against bacteria.
Also Known As
Chay-sat, Hachuti, Hansia bon, Hansio bighang, Sat-cahy
References (4)
- Baro, D., Baruah, S. and Borthukar, S. K. 2015, Documentation on wild vegetables of Baksa district, BTAD (Assam). Scholars Research Library. Archives of Applied Science Research, 2015, 7 (9):19-27
- Dutta, U., 2012, Wild Vegetables collected by the local communities from the Churang reserve of BTD, Assam. International Journal of Science and Advanced Technology. Vol. 2(4) p 119
- Patiri, B. & Borah, A., 2007, Wild Edible Plants of Assam. Geethaki Publishers. p 71
- Swapna, M. M. et al, 2011, A review on the medicinal and edible aspects of aquatic and wetland plants of India. J. Med. Plants Res. 5 (33) pp. 7163-7176
