Cupid's Shaving Brush
Emilia sonchifolia
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Pl. 6A3C — Emilia sonchifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Cupid's Shaving Brush (Emilia sonchifolia) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, and Cambodia. This plant thrives in moist environments with a preference for light, full sun and can tolerate various soil types from sandy to clay. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, it is also found within the native ranges of China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, and other parts of Asia and Africa. One distinctive feature sets this plant apart: its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, making it a notable presence in gardens or natural landscapes where it can be both ornamental and useful for culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is Cupid's Shaving Brush?
Cupid's Shaving Brush (Emilia sonchifolia) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, and Cambodia. This plant thrives in moist environments with a preference for light, full sun and can tolerate various soil types from sandy to clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cupid's Shaving Brush thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows to about 0.6 meters tall as an annual forb/herb. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. SKIP
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cupid's Shaving Brush for the first time
8steps
Start with Cupid's Shaving Brush as an easy-to-grow annual herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes if planting in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.6 m apart, or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun exposure.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage and prevent flowering, which can reduce leaf production.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Cupid's Shaving Brush plant is edible and its leaves and shoots can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, the young shoots are harvested and either eaten fresh in salads or steamed as a vegetable. The leaves may also be used fresh in various dishes or dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia8 regions
native (8)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanMyanmarNepalPhilippines
Africa11 regions
native (11)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonGuinea-BissauMadagascarMauritiusMozambiqueNigeriaSenegal
Broader regions
native:Congo, East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, Malaya, Nansei-shoto, Réunion
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6a3c8035-1620-4e40-a598-656c03c15e36
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