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Acalypha Wilkesiana Marginata

Common names: Blood Leaf, Fijian fire bush, copper leaf, Jacob’s coat
Family:
Plant Type :
Height :
Evergreen :
Indigenous :


Position :
Moisture :
Soil :
Wind :
Frost :

Euphorbiacheae
Shrub
Up to 3 m
Evergreen
Unspecified


Full Shade / Semi-Shade
Lots of water
Well Drained Soil
Sheltered, warm position
Frost Tender


This remarkable plant has foliage that is more colourful than many flowers.


The plant, often called "copperleaf," does fine in partial shade or sun. It prefers a position sheltered from strong winds, and a fertile, organic soil. Indoor plants do well in medium light, but leaf colour develops best on plants kept in bright light.

Outdoors, copperleaf does best in a rich, moist, but fast-draining soil. Indoor plants do better in a soilless potting mix, with the medium constantly moist, but not saturated. Daily misting is recommended for indoor plants with only spare watering in winter.

Propagation can be done by stem cuttings at any time of year, using bottom heat.


Foliage
Type :
Colour :
Use :
Other :

Identification Tool :
Simple
Maroon Black , Green , Dark Green , Yellow Green , Yellow , Orange , Pink Red , Light Red , Red , Maroon , Dark Brown
Decorative , For Vase


  • - Leaf morphology


    Both the branches and the leaves are covered in fine hairs. The leaves, which may be flat or crinkled, are large and broad with teeth around the edge. They can be 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) long and 15 centimetres (5.9 in) wide. The leaves are coppery green with red splashes, giving them a mottled appearance.


    Flower
    Type :
    Time :
    Colour :
    Use :
    Other :

    Identification Tool :
    Radial (Actinomorphic)
    Unspecified
    Dark Pink , Cerise



  • - Flower morphology


    Separate male and female flowers appear on the same plant. The male flowers are in long spikes which hang downwards while the female flowers are in short spikes. The latter do not show up easily as they are often hidden among the leaves. The flower stalks are 10–20 cm long.


    NOTES

    The plant is susceptible to mealy bug infection, which can result in growth retardation and also cause high fungal contaminations in in vitro studies. To reduce the mealy bug’s infection, 90% ethanol can be directly applied to the infestations using paint brushes.


  • Reference Plant profile


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