Acalypha fruticosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ricinocarpus fruticosus

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Acalypha fruticosa, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is further classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and falls under the genus Acalypha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of Africa. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence is noted in Burundi. Moving toward the northeastern part of the continent, the species can be found in Djibouti. It is also widely distributed across Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Eritrea and Ethiopia. Finally, its range extends further into the Horn of Africa to include Somalia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acalypha fruticosa is characterized by its specific preference for riverine forests or woodlands, as well as dry bushlands situated on alluvial soil. This species thrives within a distinct altitudinal gradient, occupying a range that begins at an elevation of 275 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1350 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1350 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

275 m AMSL

Habitat :

riverine forest or woodland, dry bushland on alluvial soil

Life history

The life history of Acalypha fruticosa is characterized by its nature as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain its presence within its ecological niche over an extended duration. In terms of its structural life form, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, indicating that its perennable buds are borne on aerial shoots well above the ground level. Additionally, it can be described under the life form categorization of nanophanerophyte, reflecting specific growth habits related to its stature and the positioning of its woody or semi-woody parts.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acalypha fruticosa is characterized by a woody growth form that can manifest as both a shrub and a tree. This plant is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of its structural habit, it is a self-supporting plant and does not exhibit climbing tendencies such as a vine or liana. The height of the plant is variable, with recorded measurements ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 2 m, though the mean height is approximately 2.57 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height mean:

2.56666666666667 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acalypha fruticosa is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, which are fundamental to its survival in tropical environments. As a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, its physiological profile is defined by efficient photosynthesis and a specific reliance on soil nutrient availability. Regarding its ability to enhance soil fertility through biological processes, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, typically found in leguminous species. Consequently, its nitrogen uptake is dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium ions within the soil substrate. The plant's physiological vigor is closely linked to its water-use efficiency and its ability to regulate transpiration through stomatal movements, allowing it to maintain turgor pressure and metabolic stability during varying environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Acalypha fruticosa has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. International journal of oncology

Antioxidant

1. International journal of oncology

Cytotoxic

1. International journal of oncology

Medicinal Uses

Acalypha fruticosa has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, malaria.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations