.jpg)
Back
Acalypha chamaedrifolia (Lam.) Müll.Arg.
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Acalypha reptans, Croton chamaedrifolia, Acalypha hispaniole, Acalypha repens, Acalypha chamaedryfolia |
| Common Name: | Red Cat's Tail, Bastard Copperleaf, Strawberry Firetail |
The Red Cat's Tail (Acalypha chamaedrifolia) is a compact shrub with trailing form that is usually noted for its showy crimson flower spikes. The plant blooms all year round, and is a great addition to any parks or small gardens.
.jpg)
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Compact |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.3 m to 0.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southeastern North America (Florida), Carribean |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A herb, it has a prostrate and trailing growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are ovate in shape and have a rounded base and acute apex and are held in opposie pairs along the stem. The leaves have a crenate-dentate margin, is covered with hairs and measure about 5 to 3.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. |
| Flowers | The sessile flowers are borne on terminal, cylindrical racemes and are red in colour. The flowers located on the upper end of the raceme are male flowers. |
| Etymology | Genus name Acalypha comes from the Greek word akelpe, which means unpleasant to touch. Species chamaedrifolia means chamaedrys-leaved. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Usually grown in pots or on the ground for its compact form with attractive red flower spikes like cat's tail. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Easy to Grow, Well-Drained Soils, Moist Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Crenate, Dentate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 291 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1587 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
_pauline_tay.jpg)
