Acalypha indica, commonly known as Indian copperleaf, Indian nettle, or Indian acalypha, is an erect annual herb that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is native to the understory of tropical forests and woodland edges in parts of Africa and Asia, where it benefits from the dappled sunlight. It typically has green to reddish leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom throughout the year. The plant is known for its attractiveness to domestic cats, similar to catnip.

Indian copperleaf is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine, where it is used to treat various ailments. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens for its foliage. In cultivation, it prefers partial shade to full sun, moist soil, and good drainage. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Gardeners should be cautious about its potential invasiveness, as it can spread rapidly outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0