Acalypha wilkesiana (copperleaf)

Japanese name: アカリファ
Scientific name: Acalypha wilkesiana

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub that in the tropics reaches 3 m in both height and spread, branching well and growing densely.
The branches and leaves bear fine hairs.
Leaves are simple and alternate, elliptic to ovate, 10–20 cm long and about 15 cm wide, often wrinkled and undulating, bronze-tinged green with brown to reddish purple spots.
The leaf margins have even serrations.
There is a short petiole.
The shape and color of the leaves vary.
It flowers all year round if the temperature is high enough, but the flowers are small, have no petals and are inconspicuous.
There are male and female flowers; the male flowers are borne in large numbers on long spike-like inflorescences, and the female flowers in large numbers on short spike-like inflorescences.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings, which root well in the hot season.
It is sensitive to cold, and it is safest to keep it at 10 degrees or above in winter.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained site.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; in winter, keep it on the dry side.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
Pests and diseases include spider mites, aphids, greenhouse whiteflies and scale insects.

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