Acalypha capitata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ricinocarpus capitatus
• Ricinocarpus alnifolius
• Acalypha capitata var. ambigua

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Euphorbiaceae and the genus Acalypha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Acalypha capitate, possesses a specific and localized geographical range. Its distribution is primarily centered within the vast expanse of the Indian Subcontinent. Within this region, the species is documented to thrive specifically in the country of India. This indicates that its natural habitat is closely tied to the unique environmental conditions found in the Indian landscape. Consequently, its occurrence is most reliably identified throughout various parts of the Indian territory.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Acalypha capitate is characterized by its specific growth habits and structural classifications, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte, which indicates that its perennating buds are located above the ground level. Within its ecological niche, the plant's developmental strategy may also exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, reflecting a life form where the woody stems or persistent parts remain relatively low to the ground while still staying above the soil surface. This combination of life forms dictates its survival mechanisms and its ability to endure seasonal variations through its elevated bud placement.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Acalypha capitate is characterized by a woody growth habit, providing structural rigidity to its stems. As a climber, it functions in a self-supporting manner, utilizing its physical structure to ascend without reliance on external hosts for mechanical support. It is classified as an independent organism, meaning it does not exhibit parasitic behavior toward other plants. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial species, establishing its root system within the soil rather than living as an epiphyte upon other vegetation.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Acalypha capitata has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROFORM, ETHYL ACETATE, Flavonoids, HEXANE, Terpenoids.

CHLOROFORM

1. Parasitology research

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Parasitology research

Flavonoids

1. BioMed research international

HEXANE

1. Parasitology research

Terpenoids

1. BioMed research international

acetone

1. Parasitology research

methanol

1. Parasitology research

Activities

Acalypha capitata has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticholinesterase, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant.

Anticholinesterase

1. BioMed research international

Antidiabetic

1. BioMed research international

Antioxidant

1. BioMed research international

Preparations