Acalypha glabrata Thunb.

forest false nettle

Afr

bosvalsnetel

isiZulu

uthovothi, isithombothi

IsiXhosa

umthombothi

Description

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Order:

Malpighiales

Description

A briefly deciduous, scrambling shrub or small tree growing up to 5 m tall. Leaves are light green, turning vivid red in autumn. The plant has a bushy habit with dense foliage. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, typical of the Euphorbiaceae family. It is valued for its ornamental foliage and ecological role in forest edges and woodland habitats.

Plant Details

Height

Up to 5 m

Thorns

Absent

Soil

Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter; adaptable to forest edge and woodland soils.

Moderate to fast

Growth Rate

Up to 5 m

Size

Not specifically documented; likely several decades

Lifespan

Flower Colour

Flowering Season

, ,

Horticultural Zones

Neutral to slightly acidic (approx. 6 - 7)

pH

Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils rich in organic matter; adaptable to forest edge and woodland soils.

Soil

Full sun to partial shade

Aspect

Low to moderate

Frost Tolerance

Moderate

Drought Resistance

Companion Plants

Commonly found with other forest edge and woodland species such as Buddleja salviifolia and Calpurnia aurea.

Caterpillars

Supports various butterfly species, though specific data limited.

Associations

Descriptions

Supports insect pollinators including bees and butterflies; provides shelter for small insects and birds. Fruits and seeds are food sources for various small wildlife.

Flowers and fruits

Flowers small and inconspicuous; pollinated mainly by small insects. Fruits small capsules dispersed by animals.

Birds

Provides shelter and food for small insectivorous and frugivorous birds.

By Seeds:

Seeds collected from mature capsules; sow fresh in well-drained soil; germination moderate to good.

By Cuttings:

Softwood cuttings root well with bottom heat; semi-ripe cuttings also successful.

Traditional Uses

Limited documented traditional uses; possibly used in local medicine and as an ornamental plant. No known toxicity.

Plant Details

Height

Description

Thorns

Description

Leaves

Description

Size

Growth Form

Size

Size

Size

Lifespan

Size

Flower Colour

Size

Flowering Season

Size

Horticultural Zones

Size

pH

Size

Soil

Size

Aspect

Size

Frost Tolerance

Size

Drought Resistance

Description

DESCRIPTION

Height

DESCRIPTION

Leaves

DESCRIPTION

Thorns

DESCRIPTION

BSS

Ecoscore

Host plant Nectar Grazing

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Distribution

Companion Plants

Description

Caterpillars

Associations

Leaves

Leaves

Flowers and fruits

Leaves

Birds

Leaves

Mammals

Leaves

By Seeds:

Leaves

By Cuttings:

Leaves

Traditional Uses

traditional uses