Acalypha neomexicana
Copperleaf, New Mexican copperleaf
Euphorbiaceae – Spurge family
Description
Depending on growth characteristics, species of Acalypha are either shrub-like or herbaceous. The leaves are petioled and are arranged alternately along the stem branches. These plants are monoecious with either male and female flowers arranged separately in shorts spikes or staminate flowers in groupings above the pistillate ones, both grouped on the same flower spike. The small seeds are contained in 3-celled capsules.
Acalypha lindheimeri is low-growing, deciduous, and shrub-like. The plant’s weak branches often lay prostrated on the ground, only to be terminated by perky, upright red flower spikes. The leaves are wedge-shaped, toothed, hairy, and are folded along their mid-veins. Stem growth can be reddish-brown and is ridged and hairy.
Acalypha neomexicana is a small, weedy annual standing between 10 inches and 3 feet tall. The leaves are thin, light green, and ovoid with serrated margins. They often turn reddish-brown in response to cold stress. The female flowers have 3 distinctive red styles that are long and threadlike.
Distribution
Acalypha boasts over 250 species throughout both hemispheres, but these plants are primarily limited to the tropics. From 2,400-7,500 feet, Acalypha neomexicana is found from central Arizona to New Mexico. It frequents disturbed sites such as ditches, roadsides, and over grazed rangelands. Occasionally, it can be found in more pristine areas like canyons sides and shaded rocky slopes. Look for A. lindheimeri throughout the mid-elevation mountains of southeastern Arizona, east to New Mexico and Texas. It can be found in drainage areas and tucked in among boulders.
Chemistry
The genus contains anthraquinones, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, and other polyphenols
Medicinal Uses
Copperleaf is best used topically to speed resolution of slowly healing wounds and ulcers. It is particularly beneficial to skin afflictions that linger through the involved tissues’ lack of innate vitality. Where it is applied topically, Copperleaf stimulates phagocytosis, pro-inflammatory mediators, and general oxidation, literally delivering more biological activity to the area. There is some speculation that Copperleaf is a body-wide immune stimulant. If true, this would clarify why the plant has traditionally been used for such a wide variety of complaints. Copperleaf also has laxative and expectorant qualities ascribed to it.
Indications
Poorly healing wounds and ulcers (external)
Collection
When collecting Acalypha neomexicana, pull up the entire plant. While in flower prune the last 1-2 feet of branch ends from A. lindheimeri. Dry normally.