This shrub has erect greenish branched stems that form a compact rounded habit. It has coppery pointed oval leaves with coloured margins and the red to white catkin-like flowers appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11

Acalypha wilkensiana is naturally found In Fiji and numerous islands in the South Pacific growing along the coast and in the lower mountains.

It prefers a well-drained moderately fertile moist sandy soil and grows in a wind protected semi shaded to sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Fijian Fire Plant is grown for its attractive foliage and rounded bushy habit. It is planted in mixed shrub borders for foliage contrast or grown as a specimen against a wall. It is also used as a low screen and planted around a water feature for a tropical effect. It used by the Fijians as a source food or as an ointment and establishes in 2 to 3 years and is long lived.ID 105

Acalypha(ah-KAH-lee-fah) wilkesiana(wilks-ee-AHN-a)

"Akalypha", from the Greek word for "nettle", a reference to the appearance of the leaves; "wilkensiana" commemorates American explorer Charles Wilkes.

Euphorbiaceae(yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family