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Copperleaf (Acalypha)

الأكاليفا · Acalypha wilkesiana

A popular hedge shrub with copper, red and green leaves, common in Saudi gardens.

Copperleaf (Acalypha)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Arabic nameالأكاليفا‏
English nameCopperleaf (Acalypha)‎
Scientific nameAcalypha wilkesiana‎
FamilySpurge family (Euphorbiaceae)
Plant typeShrub with colorful leaves
Height1 to 3 m
Water use Medium

Planting and harvest calendar

Best time to plant

March to May

Harvest

Not harvested

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering

Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.

Description

A dense shrub with big toothed oval leaves in mixed colors.

Where it grows

Planted as hedges in Makkah, Jeddah, Jazan, the Eastern Province, Riyadh and Madinah.

Soil

Grows in most well-drained soils.

Water and irrigation

Regular watering.

Climate and light

Loves heat and sun.

Propagation

From cuttings.

Benefits and uses

  • Lovely colors all year
  • A dense hedge

Drawbacks

  • Sensitive to cold
  • Needs regular water