Acalypha hispida or the Chenille Plant is a showy, ornamental with reddish/purple flowering inflorescence and lustrous, oval, mid green leaves, making for a striking appearance in warm, tropical gardens or glasshouses.
The name Chenille comes from its appearance, not unlike a hairy caterpillar or the soft and tufted yarn that is popular in embroidery.
It is a vigorous and erect shrub that can reach 3m but is often kept smaller by pruning. The oval leaves are serrated with a pointed tip and up to 20cms long and 10cms wide.
The long lasting, extra long, catkin-like flowers are borne in pendulous chains sporadically throughout the year.
It is often used as an accent, for informal borders, or as a featured specimen or container plant.