Lilac tasselflower (Emilia sonchifolia)

Emilia sonchifolia, lilac tasselflower, is a small, common weed with tufts of pink to lilac florets on slender stems. In Kerala it is muyalcheviyan, “rabbit’s ear”, one of the ten sacred dasapushpam flowers. Its leaves are eaten as greens in Southeast Asia. It also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver, so caution is wise.

Botanical name: Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.
Family: Asteraceae
Tamil: Muyal kathu
Hindi: Hirankhuri
Parts used: Young leaves
Habit: Tasselflower of waste ground
Last updated: 2026-10-26

How to recognise Lilac tasselflower

It is a soft, upright annual with lyre-shaped, lobed lower leaves and clasping upper leaves, often purplish beneath.

The flower heads are small, cylindrical tassels of pink to purple florets, without petals, on long, thin stalks.

The seeds have tufts of white hairs and blow away on the wind.

It looks a little like small daisies before it flowers, but its tassel-like heads are distinctive.

It flowers almost all year, especially after the rains.

Traditional use of Lilac tasselflower

Kerala tradition

Muyalcheviyan is one of the dasapushpam, ten sacred plants worn and used in rituals during Karkidakam.

Kerala tradition

Kitchen

Young leaves are eaten raw or cooked in parts of Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asian food practice

Modern notes on Lilac tasselflower

Chemists have found pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as senkirkine in the plant. These can cause liver damage with regular intake.

Laboratory studies report other activities, but there are no reliable human trials.

Lilac tasselflower safety

Do not eat it regularly. Its alkaloids can harm the liver.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to tropical Asia and Africa and has spread as a weed throughout the tropics.

It grows in gardens, lawns, roadsides and fields.

Its wind-blown seeds make it quick to colonise bare ground.

Related plants

Also in Asteraceae

Questions about Lilac tasselflower

Is Lilac tasselflower a sacred plant?

Yes, in Kerala it is one of the dasapushpam.

Is Lilac tasselflower safe to eat?

Not regularly. It contains liver-toxic alkaloids.

Why rabbit’s ear?

Its leaves are said to resemble a rabbit’s ears.

Where does Lilac tasselflower grow?

In gardens, lawns, roadsides and fields across India.

What is the Tamil name of Emilia sonchifolia?

Muyal kathu.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.