Native to the Americas, plants of the genus Acmella are found in tropical areas of Nicaragua, Mexico and Guatemala, as well as in nontropical parts of the world. The species Acmella radicans is known for its insecticidal, fungicidal and antibacterial properties. Chefs and barmen have been experimenting with szechuan, sansho or electric buttons in the U.S., which cause a tingling sensation when chewed. They are in fact buds of Acmella oleracea or para cress, a plant that contains spilanthol, a substance similar to capsaicin, found in chilies.
Native to Madagascar, the fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) grows upright about 20 inches and produces yellow flowers with 13 petals each. It is an invasive species in many tropical areas, including Hawaii. It is also abundant in Kenya, Colombia and southeastern Australia. Fireweed is toxic to livestock and can be a serious problem in pastures. One of the largest genera in the Asteraceae family, Senecio has more than 1,000 species in varied forms from climbers to trees.
Common in tropical Asia, Cupid's Shaving Brush (Emilia sonchifolia) has edible leaves, which are also used for making infusions. Local communities use the leaves in the treatment of dysentery and inflammation.The plant is an astringent, expectorant and diuretic. Leaves can be consumed raw or cooked, and are usually harvested before flowering. The flowers are chewed to prevent tooth decay.
Wunderlichia mirabilis is a plant native to Brazil, part of the subfamily Wunderlichioideae and the family Asteraceae. Wunderlichia mirabilis is a wind-dispersed tree species, most common in dry environments. It features numerous contorted branches, a gray to silver color and it is often used in decorative projects and gardens. It does not have a common English name, but in Brazil the plant is called "flor-do-pau."