Description
Acalypha macrostachyoides (also called 'Large-spiked Acalypha', among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree, up to 8 m tall, with a straight trunk and a rounded crown. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, and is found in wet forests, swamps, and riverbanks.
Uses & Benefits
Acalypha macrostachyoides is used as a traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches. It is also used to make a tea that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Acalypha macrostachyoides has small yellow flowers with four petals. The seed is small, round and brown. The seedlings have small, round leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Acalypha macrostachyoides is an evergreen perennial that is easy to propagate from seed or cuttings. The seed should be sown in spring in a well-drained, sandy soil. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn and planted in a sandy soil. The plant prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.