Acalypha
Acalypha, commonly known as Copperleaf, Three-seeded Mercury, Chenille plant or Cat’s Tail is a genus in the plant family Euphorbiaceae. It is the only genus in the subtribe Acalyphinae.
Acalypha is mainly a tropical or subtropical plant, although several species are nearly extinct - the St. Helena Mountain Bush or as it’s commonly known as ‘Stringwood’ already is extinct. Some of the Acalypha plants are cultivated as a houseplant while others are grown for their foliage. In some parts of Africa the Acalypha Bipartita is eaten as a vegetable.
Although commonly grown as a houseplant the Acalypha is an irritant to the gastro-intestinal mucus membrane (stomach). It can cause skin and eye irritation so it is known as a poisonous plant. Although poisonous it also has medicinal value as it is sometimes used to treat nettle bites, wounds, swellings, nose bleeds and other ailments.