Habit: Acalypha persimilis grows as an annual to 75 cm in height (usually lower). The leaves are arranged alternately, to 8 cm in length, 3-5 nerved, ovate, with a fine serrate leaf margin and an acute/acuminate leaf apex. The petioles are up to half the length of the blade.
Acalypha persimilis is monoecious and hermaphroditic. The incomplete, imperfect/perfect, actinomorphic flowers are arranged in axillary spikes with bracts throughout. In staminate flowers the perianth has 4 green fused at the base tepals, 8 stamens and no carpel and appearing axillary. Carpellate flowers are reduced to a pubescent perianth bract, no stamens and a superior ovary with 3 locules and seeds and appearing terminally. The fruit is a smooth, 3 lobed capsule.
Habitat: Acalypha persimilis grows in Human Altered environments (yards, waste areas, abandoned fields).
Distribution: Acalypha persimilis is NOT native to the Lucayan Archipelago but does occur in the northern island groupings. It is native to Mexico, Central and northern South America.
Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Acalypha persimilis is not known to be used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago.