About Acalypha californica Benth.
Scientific name: Acalypha californica Benth.
Introduction: Acalypha californica is a flowering shrub, commonly called California copperleaf, and is sometimes known by its older common name Pringle three-seeded mercury. It is the only Acalypha species native to California, and it is most abundant in the hills of San Diego County. This plant is a member of the chaparral plant community. It produces hairy, juicy, toothed leaves. Contrary to what its common name suggests, its leaves are light green and never copper-colored. Each individual flower is made up of two parts: a staminate portion that forms a long spike of tiny red and pink bracts, and a pistillate portion located at the base of the spike. The pistillate portion is a cup made of green bracts that holds the ovary.
