Acalypha : Flowering with lush red "tails
You've likely spotted a strange plant. It has lovely tails instead of flowers. This is acalypha. It is a flower from the euphorbiaceae family. The flower's name comes from ancient Greece. It means "nettle". Many people see a likeness. The carved leaves with jagged edges resemble the stinging grass we all know.
Acalypha thrives in the wild. You can find it in tropical forests. These forests are in Southeast Asia, Oceania, Polynesia, and Australia. This plant comes in many forms. There are annuals and perennials. Some are shrubs. Rarely, you might see small trees. Flower lovers around the world adore it. It has long blooms and pretty leaves.
In nature, acalypha can grow big. It becomes a huge, flowering bush. Indoors, it stays smaller. It will hardly reach 1 to 2 feet. Its main draw is its red "tails".
These are lush flowers. The fluffy, spike-shaped blooms droop down. That is why many grow acalypha in hanging pots. It decorates windows. People call it foxtail or tailed acalypha. This is due to its odd flowers.
The Euphorbia family has over 400 types. They share related traits. Some flower. Some have fancy leaves. Like all milkweeds, acalypha is toxic. When cut, it leaks bitter, milky sap. Some types have medicinal sap. It can help with lung problems. These include pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma.
Acalypha serves as a tonic tea in southern lands. It aids weakness or weak bowels. Wear gloves when you move or trim it. This protects your skin from the sap.
Keep this plant away from kids and pets.