ACALYPHA HISPIDA

Acalypha Hispida, is  a tropical shrub that produces soft and furry red pendulous flowers hanging down from the leaf axils, resembling strands of yarn or cat’s tail that can be as long as 45cm. It is easy to grow to a large shrub but can be maintained as a small plant by regular pruning, best planted on the ground as accent plant or grown in elevated containers.

Taxonomy:

• Family : Euphorbiaceae

Common Names:

• Malay : Ekor kucing

Habitat and Distribution:

Acalypha hispida thrives in tropical region. It is native to Malesia and New Guinea.

Uses:

Traditionally the leaves are laxative, diuretic and used in the treatment of leprosy and gonorrhea. Different part of the plant is also used in infectiou​​s diarrhoea, pulmonary problems and as an expectorant in asthma.