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Cupid's Shaving Brush

Emilia sonchifolia
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Emilia sonchifolia (Cupid's Shaving Brush) — botanical photograph
Pl. 6A3C — Emilia sonchifolia
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I

Overview

Cupid's Shaving Brush, scientifically known as Emilia sonchifolia, is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of regions including Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, and Cambodia, and has been introduced to areas such as Belize, Bolivia, and Brazil Southeast. This plant thrives in moist environments, preferring light, full sun and adaptable soil types, from sandy to clay. It can grow up to 0.6 meters in height, making it a notable presence in gardens or natural landscapes. The leaves and shoots of Cupid's Shaving Brush are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked, with young shoots often used in salads or steamed as a vegetable. The plant is found in various parts of Asia and Africa, including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as regions like Japan, India, and Madagascar. While primarily ornamental and edible, Cupid's Shaving Brush can also be used in culinary contexts, adding a unique flavor to dishes. Its adaptability and ornamental value make it a useful addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Cupid's Shaving Brush?

Cupid's Shaving Brush, scientifically known as Emilia sonchifolia, is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of regions including Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, and Cambodia, and has been introduced to areas such as Belize, Bolivia, and Brazil Southeast.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Cupid's Shaving Brush thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that is well-draining, suitable for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types. It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows as an annual, reaching a height of 0.6 meters. For best results, cultivate this forb/herb in light to moderate soil moisture and ensure it receives ample sunlight. Harvest its edible leaves and shoots for culinary use.
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. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in late spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a well-draining soil mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes if planting in pots.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.6 m apart, or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun exposure.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage and prevent flowering, which can reduce leaf production.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.

VI

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
VII

Distribution

40 native · 50 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 40 native· 50 introduced
Asia15 regions
native (13)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanMyanmarNepalPhilippinesSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnamYemen
introduced (2)GeorgiaMaldives
Americas20 regions
introduced (20)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto RicoSurinameUnited StatesVenezuela
Africa13 regions
native (12)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonGuinea-BissauMadagascarMauritiusMozambiqueNigeriaSenegalSeychelles
introduced (1)Comoros
Oceania4 regions
introduced (4)New CaledoniaSamoaTongaVanuatu
Broader regions
native:Congo, East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Malaya, Nansei-shoto, Réunion, South China Sea, Sumatera, Zaïre
introduced:Brazil Southeast, Caroline Is., Cocos (Keeling) Is., Cook Is., Florida, Leeward Is., Line Is., Marianas, Mexico Central, Mexico Southeast, New South Wales, Niue, Northern Territory, Panamá, Queensland, Society Is., South Carolina, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Venezuelan Antilles, Western Australia, Windward Is.
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Emilia sonchifolia (Cupid's Shaving Brush) — botanical photograph
Cupid's Shaving Brush (Emilia sonchifolia)
XI

Explore further

XII

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