This evening I was given a plant from my sister and it's only known as a "caterpillar plant". Not exactly sure what it is. It has soft leaves similar in appearance to a mint leaf on a vine structure. It has upright maroon colored catikins(?) which seem to drop, turn dark and get more firm as they get older. See attachment for photo. Any ideas on what this plant is? =D -MP
It could be a species of Acalypha. Perhaps A. hispaniolae, Hispaniola Cat's Tail or A. reptans (syn A. pendula).
Thanks Jungle!!! That helped a ton! With that info I was able to identify it as a Dwarf Chenille (Acalypha pendula) which is also used as a groundcover in addition to being planted in hanging pots. I appreciate the help!
Re: Caterpillar plant?? (A.K.A.) Dwarf Chenille Dear MatthewP. Hello, I came across your post this past week and I would like to ask you, how could I possibly obtain a plant for purchase of the Caterpillar plant- (A.K.A.) Dwarf Chenille? I was given a piece of this plant back in 1991 and it grow to a beautiful unusual plant that I treasured but unfortunately when I moved to another city, I couldn’t take it with me. I have been looking for this plant every since and I have not been able to find this plant again. I really would be interested on any insight you could share with me to obtain this beautiful plant once again. Thank you in advance.
Sorry Tnunisa101 I'm not sure where it came from originally. It was given as a gift. Unfortunately it died as a result of a cold snap last year where I was out of town on business and was not able to bring it back inside. I think she may have found it at our local Home Depot or Lowes so you may want to check there or perhaps some online sources. Although I'm not sure how widely available they will be in the VA area. Thanks, -Matt
Hello Matt, I am sorry to hear about your plant and I thank you for your response. I will keep looking for my plant and if I do come across my plant I will surely let you know abut it. Take Care, Tnunisa101
hi, y'all ! i just bought my 2nd 'caterpillar plant' this evening @ a lowes in san bernardino, CA. our first one died of neglect while out of town. we're hoping this one fares much better & healthier & longer lived ! if anyone has any good ideas of how to care for this groovy lookin' plant, they'd be well received !
Anyone who does want one of these (lets face it their pretty cool!) can get them off ebay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/Firetails-acaly...0?hash=item4a9791f4b4&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116 I think they can only shop to the US though :-(
