Status:
valid
Authors:
Andersson
Source:
wcs
Year:
1855
Citation Micro:
Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl. 1853: 238 (1855)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000235076
Common Names
- Acalypha
- Chenille Plant
- Cat's Tail
Synonyms
- Acalypha parvula sericea (Andersson) Müll.Arg. [unknown]
Description
Acalypha sericea (also called Chenille plant, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Caribbean. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of small, red, pink, or white flowers. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions, growing in moist, well-drained soils.
Uses & Benefits
Acalypha sericea is an ornamental plant used to decorate gardens and balconies. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Acalypha sericea var. baurii (B.L.Rob. & Greenm.) G.L.Webster
Acalypha sericea var. sericea
Acalypha sericea var. indefessus G.L.Webster
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Acalypha sericea are small, white or yellow in color, and have three petals. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small, with thin stems and small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Acalypha sericea is a tropical shrub native to Brazil. It can be propagated from stem cuttings or by layering. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Where to Find Acalypha sericea
Acalypha sericea is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Acalypha sericea FAQ
What is the best soil for Acalypha sericea?
Acalypha sericea prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
What is the best temperature for Acalypha sericea?
Acalypha sericea prefers temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best light for Acalypha sericea?
Acalypha sericea prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Species in the Acalypha genus
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,