Red Cat's Tail

Overview

Acalypha chamaedrifolia is native to Bahamas, Cayman Island, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Florida, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Island, Puerto Rico, and Windward Island. Genus name Acalypha comes from the Greek word akelpe, which means unpleasant to touch. Species chamaedrifolia means chamaedrys-leaved. This easy to grow plant is used as an ingredients of comercial cosmetic in hair and skin conditioners. It is usually grown in pots (container planting, hanging basket) or on the ground for its compact form with attractive red flower spikes like cat's tail. The plant blooms all year round, and is a great addition to any parks or small gardens.

Vernacular Names

No found data on this. Need further research.

Agroecology

This species is a fast growing plant that grows in areas with the range of altitude of 10-1400 m asl, and annual rainfall 1,000-2,500 mm. Thrives in well-drained soils and moist soils, with semi-shade to full sun areas. It needs moderate water.

Morphology

• Stem - round, cylindrical, and green in colour.
• Leaves - 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. 
• Flower - 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.

Cultivation

• Generative propagation is by seed.
• Vegetative propagation is by cuttings and layering.

Chemical Constituents

We are lacking information about the pharmacology of this species. Further research is needed.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• It has antioxidant activity.
• It is used for hair and skin conditioners.