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Marsh Para Cress (Acmella uliginosa)

Marsh Para Cress (Acmella uliginosa) is a fast-growing herbaceous plant known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional remedies, featuring small yellow flower heads.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist.

Soil

Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, including wet conditions.

Temperature

Grows best in warm temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor, Aquatic

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Can tolerate some shade, but flowering may be reduced.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist.

Tolerates shallow standing water.

Soil

Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types, including wet conditions.

Temperature

Grows best in warm temperatures.

Ideal range is 18-25 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor, Aquatic

Fertilizer

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Every 4-6 weeks.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Medicinal

Plant Place Type

Ground, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Aquatic

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.2-0.5 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None in tropical climates, may die back in cooler regions

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Opposite, ovate to lanceolate

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths8877
Synonyms
Jaegeria uliginosa (Sw.) Spreng.
Spilanthes charitopis A.H.Moore
Spilanthes iabadicensis A.H.Moore
Spilanthes lundii DC.
Spilanthes salzmannii DC.
Spilanthes uliginosa Sw.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderAsterales
  • familyAsteraceae
  • genusAcmella
  • speciesAcmella uliginosa
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. It thrives in damp conditions and can tolerate shallow standing water, making it suitable for bog gardens or pond edges.

Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. Remove spent flower heads to prolong blooming and prevent self-seeding. Trim back leggy stems as needed to maintain a tidy appearance.

Easily propagated from seed sown in spring or from stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Division of established clumps is also effective in spring.

If grown in a pot, repot annually in spring into fresh potting mix. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage. For bog garden use, it typically does not require repotting.

FAQs

What is the common name for Acmella uliginosa?

The most common name for Acmella uliginosa is Marsh Para Cress, also known as Toothache Plant.

Does Acmella uliginosa have medicinal uses?

Yes, Acmella uliginosa has a history of traditional medicinal use, particularly for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, earning it the name 'toothache plant'.

How much water does Marsh Para Cress need?

Marsh Para Cress requires consistently moist soil and thrives in damp conditions, tolerating even shallow standing water, making it ideal for boggy areas.

Can Acmella uliginosa be grown in pots?

Yes, Acmella uliginosa can be grown in pots, provided the soil is kept consistently moist and adequate drainage is ensured when repotting.

What kind of sunlight does Acmella uliginosa prefer?

Acmella uliginosa prefers full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, flowering may be less prolific.