Family: Euphorbiaceae
This plant needs a humid environment, and frequent watering during the summer growing season. A. hispida has plain, green leaves, but compensates by producing masses of long, bright red inflorescences that hang down and give rise to its popular name of “Cat’s Tails”. The brightly colored pendulous tassels are extremely showy. Acalypha species require full sun, well-drained soil, and careful pruning to prevent them from becoming leggy.