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Wilkes' acalypha

Scientific Name: Acalypha amentacea ssp. wilkesiana

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Acalypha wilkesiana

Acalypha wilkesiana, commonly known as Copperleaf, Jacob's Coat, or Wilkes' Copperleaf, is a vibrant evergreen shrub cherished for its colorful foliage.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
  • Some sources mention the presence of sap in plants from this family.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
  • Some sources mention the presence of sap in plants from this family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acalypha wilkesiana Müll.Arg.
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Acalypha amentacea subsp. wilkesiana (Müll.Arg.) Fosberg
    • Acalypha amentacea Roxb. ssp. wilkesiana (Müll. Arg.) Fosberg
    • Acalypha tricolor Hort.
    • Acalypha amentacea forma circinata
    • Acalypha amentacea subsp. acalypha
  • Numerous varieties and forms are mentioned, including:
    • Acalypha wilkesiana 'Marginata'
    • Acalypha wilkesiana 'Macrophylla'
    • Acalypha wilkesiana 'Obovata'
    • Acalypha wilkesiana f. macrophylla J.J.Sm.
    • Acalypha wilkesiana 'Godseffiana' Muell Arg
    • Acalypha wilkesiana 'Beyond Paradise'
    • Acalypha wilkesiana 'Heterophylla'

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Fiji and neighboring South Pacific islands (Bismarck Islands, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu).
  • Found in tropical and subtropical rainforests, dry rainforests, and vine thickets.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen shrub, often suckering.
  • Typically grows up to 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) in height, sometimes reaching 10-15 feet.
  • Spreads approximately 2 meters across.
  • Erect stem with many branches.
  • Branches have fine hairs.

Etymology

  • Acalypha originates from the Greek word "akalph," referring to a nettle, likely due to the nettle-like appearance of the leaves.
  • The epithet wilkesiana honors Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes (1798–1877), leader of the United States Exploring Expedition.

Uses

  • The seeds have been used empirically by traditional healers in Southwest Nigeria.

Resources and Further Information

  • Atlas of Florida Plants: Provides distribution and taxonomic information.
  • USDA
  • NCBI Taxonomy: Classifies it as Acalypha amentacea subsp. wilkesiana (Muell.Arg.) Fosberg.