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ShrubCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Acalypha wilkesiana Müll.Arg.

Copper leaf
Synonym: Acalypha tricolor Seem. (horticultural usage)

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Description

Acalypha wilkesiana is an evergreen ornamental shrub, usually 1–3 m tall, with a dense, upright, and highly branched growth habit. The species is widely cultivated for its attractive foliage rather than its flowers. Stem The stem is: Erect and woody at maturity. Highly branched, forming a compact shrub. Young branches are green to reddish and may be slightly pubescent. Latex is present when stems are injured, a characteristic feature of many Euphorbiaceae members. Leaves Leaves are the most distinctive feature of this species. Arrangement: Alternate Type: Simple, petiolate Shape: Broadly ovate to elliptic Size: Usually 5–20 cm long Margin: Coarsely serrated Apex: Acute to acuminate Surface: Smooth to slightly hairy Leaf colour varies greatly among cultivars: Copper-red Purple Bronze Green Pink and cream variegated forms Flowers / Inflorescence Flowers are small and inconspicuous. Plant type: Monoecious Flowers: Unisexual Inflorescence: Axillary spikes Male flowers: Numerous Located mainly toward the upper portion of spikes Small with reduced perianth Female flowers: Fewer in number Usually positioned lower on the inflorescence The flowers lack showy petals and are typical of Euphorbiaceae. Fruits and Seeds Fruit is: A small trilobed capsule Dry and dehiscent at maturity Each capsule contains three small seeds Seeds are small, smooth, and brownish.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative
Brightly coloured ornamental leaves. Alternate, serrated, broad ovate leaves. Shrubby habit with milky latex. Dense branching pattern.
Floral
Small unisexual flowers. Axillary spike inflorescences. Monoecious reproductive system.
Fruit & Seed
Small three-lobed Euphorbiaceae capsule. Three seeds per fruit.

Distribution

Native range: Acalypha wilkesiana is native to Fiji, Pacific Islands. The species is widely cultivated throughout Tropical Asia, Africa, Australia, Caribbean regions, Tropical Americas.

In Pakistan: Commonly cultivated in University campuses, Botanical gardens, Parks, Residential gardens, Urban landscapes. It performs well in warm subtropical climates.

Phenology

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Flowering
Fruiting
Flowering: Throughout the year under favourable tropical conditions Fruiting: Usually follows flowering; may occur several times annually

Ethnobotany & Uses

Medicinal Importance
Leaves used traditionally for Wounds, Skin infections, Inflammation, Minor burns. Extracts have been reported to show Antioxidant activity.
Antimicrobial properties
Anti-inflammatory effects.
Ornamental Importance
This is the primary economic value of the species. Uses include Decorative foliage plant, Hedge formation, Landscape design, Urban beautification. The numerous leaf colour forms make it valuable in horticulture.
Ecological Importance
Provides shelter for insects. Contributes to urban biodiversity. Used as a living barrier and hedge plant. Toxicity the latex may cause Skin irritation, Mild allergic reactions. Care should be taken during pruning.
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Where it grows on campus

West Campus1
1
individuals mapped across 1 zone
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Taxonomic Notes

Acalypha wilkesiana belongs to the large genus Acalypha within Euphorbiaceae.