Spreading Sneeze Weed

Centipeda minima

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: centipeda

Plant ID (slug): centipeda-minima

Numeric ID: 23377

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Centipeda minima is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia to Australia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antitussive Depurative Diuretic Skin Sternutatory Anodyne, antitussive, depurative, diuretic, stimulates blood circulation[147, 176]. When the aroma of the squeezed flower heads is inhaled it induces sneezing and so is used to relieve nasal conjestion, especially during coughs and colds[272]. A paste made from the flower heads is applied externally in the treatment of swellings and skin inflammations[272].