Acalypha australis aka Asian Copperleaf

Acalypha australis is also known as Asian copperleaf. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. This herb lives for one year and grows across much of Asia. Kew gives its native range as central Nepal to Russia’s southern Far East. The range also reaches the northern Philippines. Useful Tropical Plants lists China, Japan, Korea, northern India, Laos, and Vietnam too. It grows in both mild and tropical zones. Kew calls its climate subtropical. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant grows upright, with branches. Useful Tropical Plants gives its height as about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres]. It also gives a single height of about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres]. These sizes refer to the herb itself. They do not show a known size range in gardens. The sources give no width or time to reach full size. They give no leaf shape, bark, or stem colour for this species. Nor do they describe its flowers or fruit. The RHS notes on leaves and flowers cover the genus, not this species.

Asian copperleaf grows in gardens and on open ground where people disturb the soil. Records place it from sea level to about 4,900 feet [1,500 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants calls it a weed found across East Asia. It has also taken hold beyond its native range. This matters more in gardens than any stated value for show. The sources give no landscape role beyond its growth in garden beds. They note that it grows from seed but give no sowing steps. They give no firm advice on light, soil, water, or frost limits. The sources name no pests or diseases for this plant.

People gather wild plants for local use as medicine. Records note use of the whole herb for bowel and skin problems. Other uses include coughs, bleeding, and swollen feet. People also put leaf poultices, or leaf packs, on snake bites. These records show past practice, not proof that treatments work or are safe. The sources give no ways to prepare it or doses. They give no proof from clinical tests. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food use or other practical use. Plants For A Future gives it an edibility score of zero. The sources list no hazards. This does not prove it is safe for people or pets. The evidence does not support its use as food.