Acmella oleracea, Spilanthes oleracea

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

Toothache Plant is a medicinal herb that has been used for generations to manage the pain of toothaches. Both the leaves and the attractive golden flowers can be used as a natural anesthetic. Simply chew the leaves or flowers for a few seconds then you will experience a tingling and numbing sensation in your mouth. An infusion or tincture made from the Toothache Plant is said to promote gum and throat health due to its strong antibacterial properties. For culinary purposes, small amounts of shredded fresh leaves are said to add a unique flavor to salads. Cooked leaves lose their strong flavor and may be used as leafy greens. Both fresh and cooked leaves are used in dishes such as stews in northern Brazil. They are combined with chilis and garlic to add flavor and vitamins to other foods. The use of jambu extract as a food flavor is described as having an odor of citrus, herbal, tropical or musty odor, and its taste can be pungent, cooling, tingling, numbing, or effervescent.

Acmella Oleracea extract is considered a natural alternative to Botox. Applied topically, Acmella Oleracea reportedly reduces muscle tension, reducing facial wrinkles caused by tense or contracted facial muscles. It is considered a natural muscle relaxant and has been traditionally used as an herbal Orajel of sorts, thanks to the presence of analgesic alkylamides called spilanthol. This spilanthol is thought to have the same paralyzing effects on facial muscles as it does on gums, reducing wrinkles by relaxing the skin. It's seen in topical formulas and can easily penetrate the skin, inhibiting contractions in subcutaneous muscles.

The plant is a small, erect, it grows quickly and bears gold and red inflorescences. It is frost-sensitive but perennial in warmer climates. Can be grown in a container and as a houseplant.

Brassavola sp.

model": "text-davinci-003", "prompt": "Rewrite text that starts after $. Use US English only. Make it interesting and keep important information in great details. Avoiod repeating information. Use more than 400 words. Split into paragraphs. Don't use Unicode encoding. Remove info about propagation and include detailed info about growing and plant care in separate paragraph. Include growing care in pot in cold regions. Text must be started with plant name. Plant native to Central America, Southern America. Use keywords: , Small plant 2-5 ft, Semi-shade, Epiphyte, Regular water, Moderate water, Pink flowers, White, off-white flowers, Fragrant, Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds. Grown in USDA Zone: 9-11$Brassavola sp. (Lady of the Night). Growing Brassavola sp. is relatively easy and they can be grown in either pot culture or in a basket as an epiphyte. From spring to autumn, Brassavola sp. should be kept in semi-shade, where they receive no direct sunlight, but only mild direct sun. During the winter months, they can be kept in a brightly lit spot with no direct sunlight. The small shrub grows to a height of 2-5 ft and produces beautiful white, off-white or pink flowers. Brassavola sp. is cold hardy and can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11, although they should be protected when temperatures get too low. In cold regions, pot culture is preferable and Brassavola sp. should be protected from frost and placed in a pot with well-draining soil. It's important to keep the potting soil moist, but not wet. Regular watering is necessary during the growing season, with a moderate water supply in winter. This plant not only looks great but also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Most Brassavola orchids are very fragrant, attracting pollinators with their citrusy smell. But they are only fragrant at night, in order to attract the right moth. Longevity of flowers depends on the species and is between one and weeks. In 1698, Brassavola nodosa was introduced to Holland from the Caribbean island Curaçao. This marked the beginning of the propagation of this tropical orchid and sparked a widespread fascination for orchids.", "temperature": 0.9, "max_tokens": 1000, "top_p": 1.0,"frequency_penalty": 0.0, "presence_penalty": 0.0, "stream": false }

Brosimum alicastrum

Brosimum alicastrum, commonly known as the breadnut or Maya nut, is a tree species in the family Moraceae, genera including figs, mulberries and jackfruit. This tree is found on the west coast of central Mexico and in southern Mexico (Yucatán, Campeche), Guatemala, El Salvador, the Caribbean, and the Amazon.

The breadnut fruit disperses on the ground at different times throughout its range. It has a large seed covered by a thin, citrus-flavored, orange-colored skin favored by a number of forest creatures. More importantly, the large seed which is enveloped by the tasty skin is an edible nut that can be boiled or dried and ground into a meal for porridge or flatbread. Breadnut is nutritious and has value as a food source, and may have formed a part of the diet of the pre-Columbian Maya of the lowlands region in Mesoamerica. It was planted by the Maya civilization two thousand years ago and it has been claimed to have been a staple food in the Maya diet. The breadnut is high in fiber, calcium, potassium, folic acid, iron, zinc, protein and B vitamins and is very high in antioxidants. The fresh seeds can be cooked and eaten or can be set out to dry in the sun and eaten later. Stewed, the nut tastes like mashed potato; roasted, it tastes like chocolate or coffee. It can be prepared in numerous other dishes. In Guatemala, the breadnut is being cultivated for exportation and local consumption as powder, for hot beverages, and bread.

Bursera fagaroides

A shrub or small tree, widespreading, with a very short, thick, trunk. Develops a swollen trunk, and can be a spectacular specimen. Flower is small, creamy white, borne on long stalks, may be clustered or solitary. Bark is tight and smooth, very attractive, reddish brown and peeling to reveal gray-green. Drought deciduous. Leaves have distinct citrus odor when crushed. Great ready bonsai! The fruit is brown maturing in late fall. The seeds are red, and germinate quite easily. The dried sap of some of the species sold as frankincense.

Citrofortunella mitis

Citrofortunella mitis, commonly known as Calamondin, is a small tree, reaching a height between 10-20 ft when fully grown. It is a beautiful tree with full sun requirements and regular water needs, with white and off-white flowers appearing in spring and summer. The Calamondin tree is best grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and is known to be quite hardy.

The tree produces edible fruits, roughly the size of a small orange. The acidic properties of the fruit make it perfect for use in a range of culinary dishes, from salads to pickles to sauces. Those who try this fruit will notice a tart flavor similar to lemon and lime yet distinctly unique. The juice is also prized for being a great alternative in citrus-based drinks like smoothies, juices, and cocktails.

The Calamondin fruit is known for its numerous health benefits. Rich in Vitamin C and other important antioxidants, eating them helps to nourish and protect from free radicals, among other benefits. Eating these fruits also encourages healthy cell growth, supports immune health, and lowers the risk of some diseases.

The Calamondin tree prefers warm and humid climates. In cold areas, you can still grow it in a pot. They require regular watering and plenty of sunlight, and can produce up to 100 fruits in a single season.

Citrofortunella sp.

Citrofortunella sp., also known as Calamondin, is a bi-generic hybrid Citrus aurantifolia x Fortunella sp that is commonly used in bonsai cultivation. It is an evergreen, frost-tender tree that can reach heights of 5-10 feet as a shrub or 10-20 feet as a small tree. The plant boasts fragrant, white to off-white flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as abundant fruit that can be consumed fresh or cooked.

Not only is the fruit of Calamondin edible, but it also possesses a wide range of ethnomedical properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, expectorant, and carminative uses. With proper care, the mature plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. It has the potential to produce many fruits per growing season and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The ideal growing conditions for Calamondin include well-draining, moist soil in full sun. The plant prefers a very sunny position. It is important to neither overwater or underwater the plant, as too much or too little water can cause yellowing and death.

Clausena excavata

The Clausena excavata tree is a small tree which grows 10-20 ft tall and requires full sun and regular watering to thrive. While some adaptations make it moderately drought tolerant, it needs regular waterings and can not survive extended periods of drought. It is a great choice for gardeners in USDA Zones 9-11.

The pink lime berry itself is very fragrant and can be used to flavor a variety of dishes, as well as for decorating. Its leaves also have a powerful, curry-like smell when crushed and are even edible. Those looking for a medicinal herb will find Clausena excavata to be a great choice, as its bark, branches, and roots are used as a potherb for a vast array of ailments.

Clausena excavata produces many edible berries with a juicy, sweet and citrusy taste, with hints of fennel, coriander, licorice, and coffee, making them great for garnishing dishes. Besides being rich in flavor, the berries are also a great source of essential nutrients and vitamins. They are also high in antioxidants and known to improve digestion and boost the immune system. The berries are usually harvested after they ripen and turn translucent and pink. Clausena excavata will produce an abundant crop of fruit if grown in the right conditions and can produce up to a hundred berries off a single plant.

In cold regions, Clausena excavata will grow well if planted into a pot and kept indoors during the coldest times of the year. It will be most hardy to temperatures as low as 30F for a short time. As temperatures dip below this, it will need to be brought indoors before it may suffer from frost damage. During the spring and summer, it can be placed outside to benefit from the sun and regular waterings.

Cymbopogon citratus

Lemon grass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a small plant native to India. It grows to be 2-5 ft tall and requires full sun and regular watering. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in containers. The leaves are bluish-green, 0.5-1 inch wide, and approximately 3 ft long, with gracefully drooping tips. They release strong citrus aroma when crushed and the plant rarely produces flowers. Lemon grass is valued for its flavor and health benefits, including its rich nutrient content, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and ability to produce fruit that can be eaten or juiced.

In gardens, lemon grass can be used as an ornamental plant, releasing a pleasant citrus aroma when brushed against to repel mosquitoes and other pests. It is also an excellent tonic for dogs. Lemon grass is widely used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, giving Tom Yum soup its famous taste, and has become popular in the United States, with most commercial crops grown in California and Florida.

In addition to its culinary uses, lemon grass is also used medicinally. The leaves are steam distilled to extract lemongrass oil, which is commonly used in perfumery and flavorings.

It is a perennial plant that may go dormant in the winter, depending on the climate. Also, it can be enjoyed as an annual in frosty areas or potted and brought inside during the winter. Lemon grass is a versatile plant that can be used in the kitchen to flavor teas, soups, and other dishes, as well as in the garden as an ornamental plant and natural pest repellent.

Fertilizers

Plants, like living organisms, require adequate nutrition for grown. The concept of plant nutrition includes the following substances:

Carbon dioxide. In the process of photosynthesis with the participation of chlorophyll, in the leaves of plants from water, carbon dioxide and light, organic compounds are formed that participate in the construction of the organism. This is the main and only significant source of organic matter for plants.

MACRO-elements. The macroelements include inorganic compounds necessary for the vital activity of a living organism. The prefix macro-means a relatively high content of these elements in the composition of plants, respectively, their high demand. The macroelements include: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sodium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Liquid Sunshine Boosters - Mild stable formulas, can be used year-around. Organic acid-based, Sunshine Boosters are perfect for organic gardens, edibles and do not affect crop pure taste. Amino-acid stable formulas have NO EDTA chelators to eliminate nutrients lockup in soil. Pollinating insects friendly. Designed for continuous use, Sunshine Boosters contain no excess salts, maintain soil pH at optimal level (5.5-6.5) and do not require soil flushing or additional pH regulators. They can be use with every watering, year around.

Water-soluble fertilizers - dry (powdered) fertilizers that must be diluted in water before use. EDTA-chelated. Can be used only during hot weather, during active growth season.

Smart release (granulated) fertilizers - Slow-release during 1-3-6-12 month period. EDTA-chelated. Can be used only during hot weather, during active growth season.

MICROelements. Microelements are inorganic compounds involved in the synthesis of enzymes and biologically active substances. The content in a living organism is very low, but they play a vital role in the life of plants. The microelements include: iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, cobalt.

ULTRA-microelements. Very small amounts of almost all elements of the periodic table are contained in all organisms. They fall into plants with root nutrition from the soil. The necessity for the life of ultramicroelements is not fully proved. Of more or less necessary are considered: vanadium, iodine, nickel, titanium, aluminum, cadmium, fluorine (for plants).

See full article: The role of elements in plant nutrition.

Fertilizers, or Plant Food, contain macro- and micro-elements, for example:

Macro-elements: Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potassium (K).

Micro-elements: Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zink (Zn), Sulfur (S).

Application: Follow directions on the labels. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Less concentration is always better than overdose. Generally, for tropical plants, dry fertilizers should be used only during the growth period when temperatures are above 65F, and Amino-acid based liquid fertilizers can be used year around.

See also: Plant Growth Hormones

For more information about Sunshine Boosters, see SUNSHINE BOOSTERS PAGE and learn more about Essential Nutrients.

Fortunella margarita

Kumquats have been called "the little gems of the citrus family".

The kumquat tree is slow-growing, shrubby, compact, 8 to 15ft tall, the branches light-green and angled when young, thornless or with a few spines. The apparently simple leaves are alternate, lanceolate, 1 1/4 to 3 3/8in long, finely toothed from the apex to the middle, dark-green, glossy above, lighter beneath. Sweetly fragrant, 5-parted, white flowers are borne singly or 1 to 4 together in the leaf axils. The fruit is oval-oblong or round, 5/8 to 1 1/2in wide; peel is golden-yellow to reddish-orange, with large, conspicuous oil glands, fleshy, thick, tightly clinging, edible, the outer layer spicy, the inner layer sweet; the pulp is scant, in 3 to 6 segments, not very juicy, acid to subacid; contains small, pointed seeds or sometimes none; they are green within.

Kumquats are believed native to China. They have been grown in Europe and North America since the mid-19th Century, mainly as ornamental dooryard trees and as potted specimens in patios and greenhouses. They are grown mainly in California, Florida and Texas; to a lesser extent in Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Surinam, Colombia and Brazil. In South India, they can be grown only at high elevations. There is limited cultivation in Australia and South Africa.