Acalypha hispida

Acalypha hispida, the chenille plant, is a flowering shrub which belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, the subfamily Acalyphinae, and the genus Acalypha. Acalypha is the fourth largest genus of the family Euphorbiaceae, and contains many plants native to Oceania.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Edible Uses

The leaves are edible.

Medicinal Uses

In Indonesia, the roots and flowers, fresh or in decoction, are considered a remedy for haemoptysis. The leaves and young shoots are antimicobial. They are used to treat thrush and skin rashes. Macerated in combination with green tobacco leaves (Nicotiana species) and an infusion of rice, they are used to treat inveterate ulcers. A poultice of the leaves is used in the treatment of leprosy. In Malaysia a decoction of the leaves and flowers is externally applied as an emollient to wounds and ulcers. Internally, it is used as a laxative and diuretic in treating gonorrhoea. The flowers are said to be specific in the treatment of diarrhoea and similar disorders, either boiled in water or administered in the form of a conserve. The bark is applied as an expectorant in the treatment of asthma.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. The plant contains diterpene esters. Ingestion of the milky sap from the leaves and stems can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, though toxicity is usually low. Skin irritation, however, can be severe. The sap can cause acute dermatitis after contact. Toxic Principle

Distribution

A tropical plant. It suits sheltered sites. It needs a warm location. It does not tolerate salt spray. It is damaged by frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In South America, it grows form sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. Adelaide Botanical Gardens. In XTBG Yunnan. Slovenia Botanical Gardens.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Burkina Faso, Central America, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Fiji, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marquesas, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niue, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea*, PNG, Philippines, Rotuma, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tuvalu, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Indies,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can be grown by tip cuttings. It can be pruned back.

Propagation

Seed - only female forms of this plant are known, so seed is not produced. Cuttings of green shoots. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood.

Other Uses

The plant can be grown as a hedge.

Notes

There are over 450 Acalypha species. They are tropical. There are 225 in tropical America. This one is used in medicine.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Buntot pusa, Buntut kuching, Cola de gato, Ekur kuching, Ekor kucing merah, Hahng-kra-rok-daeng, Kabi, Kyaung-hmi-pan, Moorukonda, Red-hot cat-tail, Tai tuong duoi chon, Vattattali

References (18)

• Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 8
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 38
• Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 62
• Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 1 (A-H) p
• Cabalion, P. and Morat, P., 1983, Introduction le vegetation, la flore et aux noms vernaculaires de l'ile de Pentcoste (Vanuatu), In: Journal d'agriculture traditionnelle et de botanique appliquee JATBA Vol. 30, 3-4

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