Family: Euphorbiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1004 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acalypha
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Russian Far East to N. Philippines
Description
The Asian copperleaf, known scientifically as Acalypha australis, is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Originally classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum published in 1753, this plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.
The natural habitat of Acalypha australis spans a vast region, stretching from the southern Russian Far East to the northern reaches of the Philippines. This geographical range underscores the plant’s remarkable adaptability to different climatic conditions and its resilience in diverse environments.
Characteristically, the Asian copperleaf is recognized for its vivid foliage, which often displays a striking coppery hue, hence its common name. This decorative feature makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening and landscape designs. The foliage can add a splash of color and interest to various garden settings, enhancing the aesthetic appeal with its unique visual qualities.
The plant thrives in well-drained soils and typically prefers a sunny to partially shaded environment, although it can tolerate a variety of light conditions. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent option for both novice gardeners and experienced horticulturists seeking an attractive and undemanding addition to their plant collection.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Asian copperleaf also holds a place in traditional practices within its native regions. Though specifics on its traditional uses are not highlighted in this particular description, plants within the Euphorbiaceae family are often noted for their diverse applications in ethnobotany, ranging from medicinal uses to culturally significant roles in various communities.
In summary, Acalypha australis, or the Asian copperleaf, is a plant of significant botanical interest and ornamental value. Its colorful foliage, wide-ranging adaptability, and historical classification by Linnaeus contribute to its enduring popularity and relevance in both horticultural and botanical circles.
Common Names
Eng: asian copperleaf, australian acalypha
Swe: vimpelakalyfa
En: Asian copperleaf, Australian acalypha
Az: Avstraliya akalifi
Zh: 鐵莧菜, 麻葉鐵莧菜
Fi: Idänkissanhäntä
Ko: 깨풀
Os: Цъизæ
Fa: آکالیفا استرالیایی
Ru: Акалифа южная
Sv: Vimpelakalyfa
Zh-tw: 鐵莧菜
Vi: Tai tượng Úc
Synonyms
- Acalypha virgata (Thunb.)
- Acalypha sessilis (Poir.)
- Acalypha gemina var. lanceolata (Hayata)
- Acalypha minima (H.Keng)
- Acalypha gemina ((Lour.) Spreng.)
- Acalypha australis f. lanceolata ((Hayata) Hurus.)
- Acalypha pauciflora (Hornem.)
- Acalypha australis var. velutina (Honda)
- Acalypha lanceolata (Benth.)
- Ricinocarpus australis ((L.) Kuntze)
- Acalypha gemina var. genuina (Müll.Arg.)
- Urtica gemina (Lour.)
- Acalypha australis var. lanceolata (Hayata)
- Acalypha pauciflora var. umbrosa (Rupr.)
- Acalypha australis f. velutina ((Honda) Ohwi)
- Acalypha indica var. minima ((H.Keng) S.F.Huang & T.C.Huang)
- Meterana dimidiata (Raf.)
- Acalypha pauciflora f. umbrosa ((Rupr.) Regel)
- Acalypha australis var. glareosa ((Rupr.) Nakai)
- Acalypha pauciflora f. glareosa ((Rupr.) Regel)
- Acalypha australis f. glareosa ((Rupr.) H.Hara)
- Acalypha pauciflora var. glareosa (Rupr.)
- Acalypha chinensis (Roxb.)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Laos (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- South China Sea (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Bulgaria (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- North Caucasus (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Tadzhikistan (introduced)
- Transcaucasus (introduced)
- Turkey (introduced)
- Ukraine (introduced)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
- West Siberia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Anna G (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Sedigheh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Jodi Burch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Dennis Berthold (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 5, 2019 by Fedan Hacizade (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:337182-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3056835)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acalypha australis L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb