This name is not universally accepted. Some authorities treat it as a synonym of Acalypha villicaulis Hochst., but we are following the treatment in 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families', accepting the correct name for this species as Acalypha brachiata with Acalypha villicaulis treated as a synonym[].

Common Name:

General Information

Acalypha brachiata is an erect perennial plant producing more or less woody stems up to 2 metres tall from a woody rootstock[].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local medicinal use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Senegal to Ethiopia, south to Namibia, Botswana and S. Africa.

Habitat

Woodland and grassland, and also in coastal and lakeshore grassland, sometimes in riverine and submontane forest, at elevations from sea-level to 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The steam of a leaf decoction is inhaled to treat fever[]. Leaf ash in water is taken to treat elephantiasis[]. A leaf maceration is taken to treat epilepsy[].
The chopped leaves, or an infusion of the leaves, are used to improve the healing of wounds and sores[]. The pounded and heated leaves are applied to wasp stings[].

The fresh or dried aerial parts are crushed and the decoction drunk to treat liver diseases[].
The pounded leaves, twigs and flowers are applied to snakebites[].

The roots are aphrodisiac and astringent. A decoction is widely used to treat diarrhoea, including bloody diarrhoea; it is also used in the treatment of coughs and asthma; to prevent premature ejaculation; as an abortifacient and contraceptive; and is given to children who suffer from burning urine[].
The root powder, or a paste made with the powder and fat, is applied locally to treat itch[]. The water in which roots are soaked is used to bathe constipated babies, whilst the water may also be drunk[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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