58. Acalypha plicata Müll.Arg.

Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 15 (2): 855 (Müller Argoviensis 1866).

≡ Ricinocarpus plicatus (Müll.Arg.) Kuntze; = Acalypha cordifolia Griseb.; = A. cordifolia var. polyadenia Griseb.; = A. flabellifera Rusby; = R. cuspidatus var. glandulosus Kuntze; = A. fulva I.M.Johnst.

Voucher specimens

ARGENTINA – Jujuy • Eyerdam, W.J. 22349; GH, K, MO.

BOLIVIA – Cochabamba • Beck, S. 7398; DAV, MA, LPB.

PERU – Cajamarca • Sagástegui, A. 7919; GH, MO, NY, US .

Habit

Subshrub or shrub. Native.

Habitat

Central Andes: Yungas, alt. (600‒)1200‒3500(‒4100) m.

Distribution

Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.

References

Cardiel (1995a), Cardiel et al. (2013b).

Provisional conservation status

LC.

Remarks

The specimens previously identified as Acalypha plicata from Colombia and Venezuela by Cardiel (1995b, 1999b), are here considered belonging to A. cuspidata . Acalypha plicata is restricted to the Andes of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, and can be recognized by its conspicuous long glandular trichomes covering young branches, leaves, and inflorescences; A. cuspidata (restricted to Colombia and Venezuela) presents small glandular trichomes on inflorescences and sometimes sparse on young branches. The specimen K. Graf 543 (NY) from Quime, Bolivia, found at 4100 m altitude, is the highest known collection of Acalypha in South America and worldwide.