Acalypha integrifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Caturus sessilis
• Acalypha commersoniana f. discolor
• Tragia odorata
• Acalypha commersoniana f. colorata
• Ricinocarpus integrifolius
• Acalypha reticulata f. aberrans
• Acalypha reticulata var. longifolia
• Acalypha odorata
• Acalypha integrifolia var. parvifolia
• Acalypha integrifolia var. colorata
• Acalypha integrifolia var. concolor
• Acalypha integrifolia var. longifolia
• Acalypha colorata
• Acalypha commersoniana
• Acalypha commersoniana var. acutifolia
• Acalypha commersoniana var. brevifolia
• Acalypha commersoniana f. concolor
• Acalypha commersoniana var. longifolia
• Acalypha commersoniana var. obtusifolia
• Acalypha commersoniana var. parvifolia
• Acalypha commersoniana f. purpurea
• Acalypha commersoniana f. purpureomarginata
• Acalypha commersoniana f. unicolor
• Tragia colorata
• Tragia integrifolia

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited range within the Western Indian Ocean. Its presence is documented primarily across the island of Mauritius. Additionally, it can be found growing in the region of Réunion. These two locations represent its known geographical distribution in the maritime environment. Consequently, the species remains localized to these particular island territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Acalypha integrifolia is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. In terms of its structural growth patterns and ecological positioning, the species exhibits diverse life form characteristics, functioning as both a phanerophyte, where its reproductive shoots are elevated above the ground, and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a tendency toward smaller, low-growing woody structures. This combination of life forms enables the plant to maintain a stable presence within its habitat, utilizing its perennial nature to survive seasonal variations and establish long-term vegetative dominance.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acalypha integrifolia is characterized by its growth form as a shrub, exhibiting a woody structure that provides significant physical stability. This plant typically reaches a mean height of approximately 2 m. Functionally, it is a self-supporting species, meaning it does not require external structures for support, and it operates as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial plant, establishing its root system within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

2 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acalypha integrifolia is characterized by its metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies, which are essential for its growth in tropical environments. As a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, the plant engages in standard photosynthetic pathways to convert solar energy into chemical energy, supporting its structural development and leaf production. Regarding its interaction with soil nutrients, the plant is not a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the specialized symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium, that would allow it to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. Consequently, its physiological dependence on soil nitrogen is direct, requiring the uptake of nitrates or ammonium through its root system from the surrounding substrate to sustain protein synthesis and enzymatic functions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Acalypha integrifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid.

Gallic acid

1. Acta naturae

Medicinal Uses

Acalypha integrifolia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include colorectal carcinoma, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Most Reported Uses