Photo of Rhomboid Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea)

big plant with shiny, pointy rhomboid leaves projecting out on long stems, surrounded by smaller plants of the same type

Taken on Aug. 21, 2014

This photo shows a large rhomboid mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea) plant growing in fairly low-light conditions. This plant is probably growing towards the shadiest end of this plant's habitat tolerances. As such, it has larger, thinner leaves, and the lower leaves in particular have very long petioles so that they can escape the shade from the upper leaves and maximize light capture in the low-light environment.

This species has a high degree of morpoholgical plasticity (ability to change form in different environments) which is related to its broad habitat tolerances. Open-grown plants of this same species will have a much more compact growth habit and will tend to have much smaller leaves, minimizing leaf surface area to conserve water.

Location

Photographer & Copyright

CC BY-SA 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 3 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Rhomboid Mercury and Asian Copperleaf

Rhomboid Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea) vs. Asian Copperleaf (Acalypha australis)

Updated February 2nd, 2023

These two species are superficially similar, can occur together in the same habitat, and can easily be confused, especially when people do not know to check againt the introduced A. australis. They are easily distinguished by their bracts and flowers, and also have subtle differences in leaves. A. australis currently has a restricted range, mostly in and around New York City, but temporary populations have cropped up in disparate locations including Oregon, Iowa, and Delaware, and due to the inconspicuous nature of this genus, it is probably undereported.

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collage of Rhomboid Mercury and Virginia Threeseed Mercury

Rhomboid Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea) vs. Virginia Threeseed Mercury (Acalypha virginica)

Updated July 11th, 2022

These two species overlap greatly in range and can occur together in the same habitat. They are easily distinguished by bracts. Some individuals are easily distinguished by leaf shape and petiole length, although high variability of these traits makes them less reliable. New growth has shorter petioles, and growing conditions can alter leaf shape considerably. Although both are habitat generalists relying on disturbance at a key point in the growing season, A. rhomboidea tolerates a wider range of light and moisture conditions and soil textures, as well as low soil fertility. A. virginica prefers slightly drier conditions, and is more restricted to partly-sunny habitats with rich, loamy soil, and is slightly less likely in anthropogenic habitats.

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The other guide is not yet completed and published.