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Acalypha amentacea, Acalypha circinata, Acalypha compacta, Acalypha godseffiana, Acalypha hamiltoniana, Acalypha illustris, Acalypha macafeeana, Acalypha macrophylla, Acalypha marginata, Acalypha musaica, Acalypha torta, Acalypha tricolor, Acalypha triumphans, Ricinocarpus wilkesianus
Ornamental plant in parks. Some of plants may be A. variegata that has more green leaves.
Acalypha wilkesiana is an evergreen shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 2 m across. The stem is erect with many branches. The branches have fine hairs. It has a closely arranged crown. The leaves are coppery green with red splashes of colour. This gives them a mottled appearance. The leaves are large and broad with teeth around the edge. They can be 10–20 cm long and 15 cm wide. The leaves are finely hairy. They can be flat or crinkled. The flowers are reddish in spikes at the end of branches. They have separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are in long spikes which hang downwards while the female flowers are in short spikes. They do not show up easily as they are often hidden among the leaves. The flower stalks are 10–20 cm long.
Acalypha wilkesiana, also known as Joseph's Coat or Copperleaf, is an ornamental shrub native to the Pacific Islands. In Qatar, it thrives as a cultivated plant due to its adaptability to warm climates. Characterized by its vibrant, copper-red leaves with yellow or green margins, this plant grows up to 3 meters tall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. In Qatar's gardens and landscapes, Acalypha wilkesiana is often used for its attractive foliage, tolerance to heat, and relatively low maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes.
Leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana planted in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, December 19, 2015
Al Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Blooming Acalypha wilkesiana planted in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, December 19, 2015Al Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Acalypha wilkesiana plant with reddish leaves shaped as a tree in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, December 19, 2015Al Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana shaped as a tree in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016Al Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Acalypha wilkesiana shaped as a tree in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016Al Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, Qatar
Burgundy leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana shaped as a tree in Al Shamal City Park. Ruwais, Northern Qatar, January 16, 2016Al Shamal Rd, Al Ruwais, QatarObservations of Acalypha wilkesiana in Qatar reveal that the plant has attractive leaves with varied colors, including reddish and burgundy hues. The leaves are shaped like a tree, with some specimens having dark foliage. The plant was observed to be blooming in December, with flowers present on December 19, 2015. In January 2016, the plant maintained its tree-like shape, with leaves ranging from reddish to burgundy colors. The observations were made at Al Shamal City Park in Ruwais, Northern Qatar, over a period of several weeks, suggesting that the plant can thrive in the local climate. The varied leaf colors and tree-like shape make Acalypha wilkesiana a notable species in the park's landscape. The plant's ability to bloom and maintain its coloration throughout the winter months is also noteworthy.
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