Copperleaf, Three-Seed-Mercury (Acalypha)
Copperleaf, Three-Seed-Mercury Genus Details
This member of the spurge family is an herbaceous upright annual and a common weed found in cultivated fields. The plants are 4-24 inches tall with alternate lance-like leaves. Leaves resemble those of nettles and amaranths. The bracts (a special leaf-like structure surrounding the seed) are shaped like the wings on the feet of the god Mercury, hence the plant's common name: 3-seeded Mercury. Separate male and female flowers are located side-by-side on each plant, with the male flowers producing pollen which is typically airborne. Flowering occurs year-round in S. Florida, from June to autumn in S. states, and July to autumn in NC and the northern regions of the NE states in the U.S. Pollen is more plentiful in areas east of the Rocky Mountains.
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Common Three-Seed-Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea).
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Common Three-Seed-Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea).
Copperleaf, Three-Seed-Mercury Allergy Info
Pollen allergenicity has not been studied extensively, but is rarely reported in North America.
Copperleaf, Three-Seed-Mercury Pollen Description
The pollen grains of Acalypha are oblate-spheroidal; the amb triangular to circular and 3-4 porate. The pores are ovoid with thickened margins and the opercula granular. The sexine is thin and slightly thickened at the pores.
The grains are small; 10-11 x 12 micrometers.
Species in This Genus
Allergenicity Legend:
Mild Allergen |
Moderate Allergen |
Severe Allergen |
Allergy Test Available
Mild Allergen |
Moderate Allergen |
Severe Allergen |
Allergy Test Available
Copperleaf, Three-Seed-Mercury (Acalypha) is a genus of the EUPHORBIACEAE family.
This genus includes the following allergenic species:
This genus includes the following allergenic species:
