Emilia coccinea aka Scarlet Tasselflower

Emilia coccinea is an annual plant in the daisy family. This family has the name Asteraceae. People call it tassel flower or Flora's paintbrush. It comes from tropical Africa, including the east and south. Its range runs from Sudan south to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Kew places it in the tropics with dry seasons. It grows by roads, on waste ground, and in old fields. Useful Tropical Plants lists sites from sea level to uplands.

The plant grows upright with few branches, or none. Garden sources give a height of about 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Its spread reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. Wider records give heights of 0.7–3.3 feet [0.2–1 metre]. Leaves grow on the stems that bear the flowers. Useful Tropical Plants lists a form that has orange flowers. Plants For A Future lists blooms from July to October. Seeds ripen from August to October. Insects pollinate the flowers, which have male and female parts. The plant can also use its own pollen to set seed.

Grow it in full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils that drain well. Soil can be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. Poor soil leads to more blooms than rich soil. Rich soil spurs leaf growth at the cost of flowers. Once plants take hold, they cope with drought. They suit hot, dry sites. The sources also say they suit coastal soils. The plant tolerates dry or moist ground but not shade.

Frost harms this plant, but British growers can sow it in spring. They can grow it as an annual there. Sow seeds under glass in early spring, with a light covering. Move young plants outside after the last frost you expect. You can also sow seeds outside in mid-spring. Gardeners grow it in beds for its looks. Slugs may cause trouble in a wet spring. Take care with its spread in warm regions. Useful Tropical Plants reports escapes into wild habitats on some Pacific islands. PFAF, by contrast, says it has no weed potential.

Both plant-use sources list the leaves as food. People eat them raw in salads or cook them as greens. Both sources say there are no known hazards. This does not prove the plant is wholly safe. PFAF notes its use as medicine for children without details. That brief note does not show that this treatment is safe.