Asian copperleaf
Acalypha australis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

Acalypha australis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from July to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Waste places and cultivated fields in lowland areas all over Japan. Disturbed habitats such as cultivated fields, roadsides and riverbanks.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Febrifuge, detoxifies, vulnerary.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Propagating it:

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. chinensis. A. pauciflora. A. virgata. Thunb. non L.