Discover the unique allure of Acmella oleracea, commonly known as Buzz Buttons, Electric Buttons, or Toothache Plant. This fascinating perennial herb, belonging to the Asteraceae family, hails from the rich landscapes of South America, spanning Brazil to Argentina. Thriving in wet locales like lakeside marshes, Toothache Plant is a captivating addition to your garden, growing 1-1.5 feet tall and wide. It flourishes in moist, well-drained, organically rich soils, basking in full or partial sunlight.
Acmella oleracea features vibrant yellow to orange flowers that attract fireflies, infusing your garden with liveliness. Beyond its ornamental charm, this plant offers culinary delights; its leaves add a pungent twist to salads and soups, packed with vitamins and minerals. The intriguing flowers, when consumed sparingly, create a tingling sensation followed by numbness, making them an exciting addition to your culinary creations. The extract—jambu—is a prized flavoring agent in foods, chewing gum, and chewing tobacco.
Ideal for adventurous gardeners and culinary enthusiasts, Acmella oleracea is also under research for broader medicinal uses, highlighting its potential beyond the ordinary. Embrace this exotic plant's unique properties and transform your garden into a sensory experience like no other.