Acmella repens
Rich. ex Pers.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAcmella repens is a North American species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The plant is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, primarily in the coastal plain from Texas to North Carolina and in the lower Mississippi Valley from Missouri to Louisiana. There are additional populations in Coahuila in northeastern Mexico.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
Edible Uses
The leaves are used fresh in salads.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used in salads.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
This species, and several other related species, is commonly used wherever it grows in order to relieve toothache, promote oral hygeine and to treat dental problems. It contains an aromatic fatty acid amide (spilanthol) which has been shown to have anesthetic properties and is absorbed by the skin. A cold or wam infusion of the inflorescence and leaves is gargled or used as a mouthwash to relieve toothache and to treat infected wounds in the mouth. Chewing the leaves twice a day is said to prevent pyorrhea and cavities. The leaves and flowers are chewed in order to harden the teeth, cleanse and whiten them, and to keep the gums healthy. The boiled inflorescence is taken as an analgesic for the stomach. An infusion of the leaves and flower is drunk to treat diarrhoea. The chewed leaves and flowers are applied topically to treat wounds. An infusion of the plant, especially the branches, is used to relieve toothache, mouth and throat problems.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Argentina, Bolivia, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, North America, South America, USA,
Other Uses
Beekeeping: It has beekeeping use.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Anamalaokova
References (2)
- Kermath,
- Razanameharizaka, J., et al, 2022, Catalogue Legumes Traditionnels de Madagascar. Université d’Antananarivo, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar. Vol. 1. p 21
