Acalypha wilkesiana (Dragons' Blood)
Botanical Information
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Acalypha |
| Species | wilkesiana |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | East Indies and the Pacific. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Leaves are traditionally used to treat throat infections, diarrhea, dysentery and fever. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10 - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1b |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -1 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 30 - 50 |
| Height | 1 - 1.5 m |
| Spread | 1 - 1.5 m |
| Growth | Fast |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Erect evergreen shrub with many branches with fine hairs. |
| Shape | Rounded to obtuse-cordate. |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings at any time of year. |
| Cultivation | Plant in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to semi-shade. |
| Pests | The plant is susceptible to mealybug infestations. |
| Notable Specimens | Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are finely hairy. They can be flat or crinkled. The leaves are large and broad with teeth around the edge. They can be 10-20 cm long and 15 cm wide. |
| Flower Description | The male flowers hang in terminal panicles downwards while the female flowers are in short spikes, often hidden amongst the leaves. The flower stalks are 10 - 20 cm long. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are coppery-green with red variegation. The flowers are reddish-purple in spikes at the ends of the branches. |
| Texture Description | Smooth to coarse. |
Photographs
Acalypha wilkesiana, form.
Acalypha wilkesiana, leaf.
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