SafePlants

Acalypha: A Diverse Genus in the Plant Kingdom

Acalypha is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, also known as the Spurge family. This diverse genus includes over 400 species, ranging from ground covers to shrubs and even small trees.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Acalypha species are described as twiggy and can bear spines at the tips of their branches.
• The plants are non-laticiferous, meaning they don't produce latex.

Considerations for Children

• Some Acalypha species are described as twiggy and can bear spines at the tips of their branches.
• The plants are non-laticiferous, meaning they don't produce latex.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acalypha
• Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
• Kingdom: Plants

Common Names and Species Examples:

• Acalypha arvensis: Field Copperleaf
• Acalypha australis: Australian Acalypha, Asian Copperleaf
• Acalypha eremorum: Soft Acalypha, Turkey Bush
• Acalypha indica

Synonyms for Acalypha australis:

• Acalypha australis f. lanceolata (Hayata) Hurus.
• Acalypha australis var. lanceolata Hayata
• Acalypha chinensis Roxb.
• Acalypha australis L. var. genuina (Ruprecht) Nakai

Distribution and Habitat

• Acalypha species are found worldwide, with some native to Africa and Australia.
• Acalypha indica is found throughout tropical regions.
• Acalypha australis is native to eastern Asia and also found in Australia, New Guinea, and the western Pacific.
• Acalypha eremorum is endemic to Queensland, Australia.

Ecological Role

• Several Acalypha species are considered weeds in various parts of the world.
• Acalypha australis has shown resistance to herbicides in Australia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Acalypha species exhibit diverse growth habits, including ground covers, herbs, shrubs, and small trees.
• They can grow as open-branched, twiggy shrubs reaching 2-4 meters in height.
• Leaves are typically simple, alternate, and crenate.
• Some species, like Acalypha capillipes, are spiny.

Quirky Facts

• The name Acalypha is derived from the Greek word "akalph," meaning nettle. The name Acalypha inferno, takes "inferno" from the Italian word for "hell," potentially due to its vibrant coloring.
• The epithet lanceolata, applied to Acalypha lanceolata, comes from the Latin word meaning "spear-shaped," referring to the leaf shape.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Acalypha australis has a close resemblance to Acalypha indica, which may account for their overlapping distribution.

Further Information

• Australian Plant Name Index (APNI): Hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
• Flora of Australia Online: Hosted by the Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS).
• Dave's Garden: An online community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.