Acalypha wilkesiana

• Botanical Name : Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg.
• Synonyms : Acalypha tricolor Seem.
• Common Name : Copperleaf, Jacob's Coat, Fire-Dragon
• Plant Family : Euphorbiaceae
• Plant Form : Herb
• Occurrence (Sectors) : 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 27, 28
• Occurrence (Special Areas) : Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, Indroda Park, Ayurvedic Udyan, Van Chetana Kendra

About Acalypha wilkesiana Plant :

• Habit : Evergreen herb.
• Stem : Erect with many branches having fine hairs.
• Leaves : Large, broad, multi - coloured and variegated. The coppery green leaves with red or yellow splashes give them mottled appearance.
• Inflorescence : Axillary Spikes
• Flowers :
  • Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant.
  • Male spikes are up to 12 cm long with minute bracts and many flowers.
  • Male flowers reddish, sessile like having yellowish anthers.
  • Female flowers dark reddish to tomentose, sessile. Styles are red and united at the base.
• Fruits : Trilobed and pubescent.
• Significance :
  • It is generally valued for its ornamental foliage because it is as colourful as flowers.
  • It is also known to treat fungal skin diseases.