Toothache plant

Toothache plant

Scientific Name:
Acmella oleracea

Family:
Asteraceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 67)

Introduction

Acmella oleracea, commonly known as the toothache plant, is a flowering herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the tropics of Brazil and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The plant is known for its unique numbing effect, which is attributed to the presence of spilanthol, a compound found in its flowers and leaves. This property has made it a subject of interest in traditional medicine and modern research for pain relief and anti-inflammatory applications.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Acmella oleracea is a small, erect plant that grows up to 1.5 feet tall and wide. It has dark bronzy green leaves and produces yellow to orange flowers with a red center, which are often arranged in clusters. The plant is a tender perennial but is commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates.
• Growing Conditions: It prefers moist, well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure. The ideal environment is warm and humid, similar to its native tropical regions.
• Lifecycle: The plant blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, producing flowers that attract fireflies and other pollinators. It is generally pest- and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance option for gardens.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Acmella oleracea could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons:

• Medicinal Properties: The plant’s numbing effect, due to spilanthol, could provide a natural pain relief option in space missions where access to conventional medications might be limited.
• Culinary Use: The leaves and flowers are edible and can add flavor to meals, which is important for maintaining morale and nutrition in long-duration space missions.
• Low Maintenance: Being generally pest- and disease-free, it requires minimal care, which is advantageous in controlled environments like space stations.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Acmella oleracea in space. However, its potential benefits for medicinal and culinary purposes make it a candidate for future space agriculture projects focused on sustainable and self-sufficient food systems. Space agencies and researchers are increasingly interested in growing plants in space for both nutritional and psychological benefits, and Acmella oleracea could be considered for such initiatives due to its unique properties and low maintenance requirements.