Common Name: Chenilleplant

General Information

Acalypha hispida is a large, erect evergreen shrub or small tree that grows 2 - 4 metres tall in the wild but rarely exceeds 2 metres in cultivation[, ].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for medicinal use. The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge, and the female form is often grown as an ornamental in tropical areas, valued especially for its profusion of showy red inflorescencess[, , ].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested[].
The plant contains diterpene esters. Ingestion of the milky sap from the leaves and stems can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, though toxicity is usually low[]. Skin irritation, however, can be severe. The sap can cause acute dermatitis after contact[].
Toxic Principle

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Malaysia, Bismarck Archipelago

Habitat

Secondary forest and roadsides at elevations of 100 - 1,260 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist but well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position[]. Succeeds in most soil types, tolerating acidic to slightly alkaline conditions[]. Thrives in full sunlight[].
A fast-growing plant[].
Plants can flower all year round[].
This species is possibly a dioecious plant, only female forms are known in cultivation[, ].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[].

Medicinal

In Indonesia, the roots and flowers, fresh or in decoction, are considered a remedy for haemoptysis[].

The leaves and young shoots are antimicobial. They are used to treat thrush and skin rashes[, ]. Macerated in combination with green tobacco leaves (Nicotiana species) and an infusion of rice, they are used to treat inveterate ulcers[]. A poultice of the leaves is used in the treatment of leprosy[].

In Malaysia a decoction of the leaves and flowers is externally applied as an emollient to wounds and ulcers[]. Internally, it is used as a laxative and diuretic in treating gonorrhoea[].

The flowers are said to be specific in the treatment of diarrhoea and similar disorders, either boiled in water or administered in the form of a conserve[].

The bark is applied as an expectorant in the treatment of asthma[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a hedge[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - only female forms of this plant are known, so seed is not produced[].
Cuttings of green shoots[].
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood[].

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