Sechuan or Szechuan Buttons seeds

Quite a different flowering herb with a tangy and tingling after taste that stimulates the appetite and aids digestion.
It is becoming very popular as a garnish for shellfish and can be used to enhance dishes that contain sweet peppers or chilli’s.
Dried and powdered it can be sprinkled on fresh strawberries or on the rim of a glass of ‘bubbly’ for a major taste sensation.
Now, as a Cocktail additive it should surely have it’s own name!!!!

It grows well in full sun and, as long as it is watered reasonably regularly, the plant will be covered in thimble size golden flowers with a burgundy eye that are picked before fully open.
It rarely grows higher than 25cm but has a lovely rounded form and does really well as a low border.

It shares many of the same attributes with Spilanthes acmella but has a slightly more decorative appeal in the garden.
The leaves have the same effect on sore gums and toothache.