Acalypha guatemalensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

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. Its scientific identity is further defined by its placement in the genus Acalypha.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across North and Central America. In Mexico, it can be found throughout the Southwest region. Its presence also extends into the Southeast portion of Mexico. Moving into Central America, the species is documented in Guatemala. Additionally, the distribution reaches further south into Honduras.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Acalypha guatemalensis is characterized by its specific growth strategy and structural classification within its ecological niche. As a perennial plant, its life cycle is defined by its classification as a hemicryptophyte, a trait that dictates how it survives seasonal variations and environmental stressors. This means that its perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by a layer of leaf litter or soil, allowing the plant to regrow from these protected nodes once favorable conditions return. In the broader spectrum of plant life forms, it exhibits characteristics consistent with both the nanophanerophyte and phanerophyte categories, indicating its ability to maintain woody or semi-woody structures that extend above the ground. This combination of being a hemicryptophyte and possessing phanerophytic qualities ensures a robust life history, enabling the plant to maintain a persistent presence in its habitat through both vegetative stability and seasonal regeneration.

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Acalypha guatemalensis is characterized by a growth form classified as an herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte, as it maintains a primarily terrestrial habit. While its habitat may occasionally overlap with various moisture levels, it is fundamentally categorized within the terrestrial spectrum rather than being strictly aquatic or semiaquatic. In terms of its physical orientation, the plant behaves as a self-supporting entity, lacking the specialized climbing mechanisms required to function as a liana, vine, or obligatory climber.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Acalypha guatemalensis 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 guatemalensis has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bacteria, fungi, gastrointestinal disorders.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations