Also called Jacob’s coat or beefsteak plant, this fast growing evergreen shrub is native to the Pacific Islands. It is prized for its brilliant foliage and fast growing properties. Its genus Acalypha is indicative of its nettle-shaped leaves, which tend to be 5-8 inches long and mottled in shades bronze, red, white, green and gold.
- Commonly used as a ornamental hedge as it can grow up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions
- Thrives in full sun to part shade
- Prefers moist and well-drained soil or leaf drop will occur
- Propagates via cuttings
- Parts have been traditionally harvested for food/medicine while bark has been used as poison