Acalypha wilkesiana Müll. Arg.
Vernacular name: Copperleaf, Joseph’s coat, Gulmali (Hindi: गुलमाली)
Species Name: Acalypha wilkesiana Müll. Arg.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Habit: Evergreen ornamental shrub
Stem: Erect, branching, reddish-purple stems, 2-3 m tall.
Leaf: Alternate, ovate-oblong 10-20 cm long, entire or crenate, highly variegated red/copper/bronze/green.
Flowering: Throughout year
Flowers: Axillary spikes 5-15 cm long (spicate unisexual inflorescence – catkin-like spikes); males greenish, females red, minute.
Fruit: Small 3-lobed capsule, 2 mm diameter.
Uses:
- Leaf paste is used to treat wounds, skin infections, headaches and respiratory problems.
- Leaf decoction is used in diarrhea and fever.
- Plant is used in Tribal wound dressing in South India.
- Plant is planted as hedges in Kerala compounds.
- Plant has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is used to treat ringworm.
