Origin
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm., commonly known as the eglandular three-seeded mercury, is a plant species native to Africa and parts of Arabia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the eglandular three-seeded mercury. It also has several other common names, including desert copperleaf and copperleaf acalypha.
Uses
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. is commonly used in traditional African medicine for various ailments such as stomach aches, malaria, and headaches.
The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance and is known for its drought tolerance, making it popular for xeriscaping.
General Appearance
The eglandular three-seeded mercury is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its stems are woody and branching, with purplish-red color. Its leaves are green, oval-shaped, and have a slightly serrated margin.
The plant produces small greenish-white flowers that are not very showy and are not harvested for ornamental purposes. Its fruit is a dry capsule that contains three smooth, shiny, dark brown seeds.
The leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant contain compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that are believed to be responsible for the plant's medicinal properties.
Light requirements
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. prefers full to partial sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade but performs best when exposed to bright direct sunlight. In areas with extreme heat, it is recommended to provide some protection from the midday sun.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in warm climates and is not tolerant of frost or freezing temperatures. It prefers temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and can withstand temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). Generally, Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. can survive in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Soil requirements
The soil for Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. should be well-draining with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The ideal soil type is sandy loam or loam with organic matter content. The plant can also tolerate a range of soil types such as clay, sandy, or gravelly soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. requires well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It grows best in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated via stem cuttings or seeds and should be planted in a location with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. requires moderate watering, and the soil should never be allowed to completely dry out. The plant should be watered at the base of the stem, avoiding water on the leaves to prevent fungal growth. During the cooler months, the watering frequency should be reduced.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio. Fertilizers are applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. During the dormant season, feeding can be reduced to once every six to eight weeks.
Pruning
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Pruning should be done during the active growing season, and the plant should be pruned to the desired shape and size. The pruning cuts should be made just above a leaf node, and any dead or diseased branches should be removed completely to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm.
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm., commonly known as eglandular three-seeded mercury, is a shrub species in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. This plant is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. can be propagated through various methods like stem cuttings, seed, and layering.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common and easiest way of propagating Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. The best time to take stem cuttings is in the spring when the plant is actively growing.
Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant and take a cutting about 4 to 6 inches long. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should root in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Seed
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. can also be propagated by seeds. Collect the seeds from the dried flowers and sow them in a pot containing well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic wrap, and keep it in a warm, bright place. The seeds should germinate in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Propagation by Layering
Another way to propagate Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. is by layering. This method involves bending a low-lying stem to the ground and burying a portion of it to encourage root growth. Once the roots have formed, cut the new plant from the mother plant and transfer it to a new pot or location.
These are the propagation methods for Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. Choose the method that suits you best and enjoy growing this beautiful shrub in your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm.
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. is generally a healthy plant with relatively few disease and pest problems. However, it can still be susceptible to some issues that can cause damage.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are among the most common ailments that Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. might encounter. Leaf spot, stem rust, and powdery mildew are the most common fungal diseases. These diseases can cause discolored foliage, withering or wilting leaves, and stunted growth. To avoid fungal infections, it is important to maintain proper air circulation, drainage, and watering habits. Prune the affected parts of the plant, and treat it with an appropriate fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. is the spider mite. It can cause yellowing and browning of leaves, distortion of plant growth, and the formation of webs. Regularly inspecting for spider mites on the leaves, twigs, and other parts of the plant can prevent the infestation. You can also control spider mites by adjusting humidity levels through misting and adopting predator insects that consume spider mites. You may also apply a miticide to eradicate spider mites.
Another pest that attacks Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. eglandulosa Radcl.-Sm. is the mealybug. It can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the secretion of a sticky substance called honeydew. Dabbing the affected area with a swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap can help in removing mealybugs. Natural predators like parasitic wasps and lacewings are effective in controlling a mealybug infestation.
Management Strategies
As a preventive measure, inspecting plants regularly, maintaining good hygiene practices, and preventing overcrowding can minimize infestation risks. Proper watering and drainage practices, as well as fertilization, will ensure the health and resilience of the plant. Simplify plant care as much as possible to promote strong plant growth which can mitigate the chances of pest or disease infestations. When pest or disease outbreaks occur, use an integrated pest control approach that employs a combination of organic and chemical methods. It is important to follow all instructions for the use of pesticides and fungicides to avoid toxicity on the plant.
