Acalypha hispida is a vigorous tropical shrub from the south Pacific in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), grown primarily for its extraordinary flowers: long, pendulous catkins of deep crimson-to-rose that can reach 18 to 24 inches and hang from the branches like thick velvet tassels. The specific epithet hispida refers to the bristly texture of these inflorescences, and Chenille captures their resemblance to tufted yarn. Grown outdoors in zones 10 to 11, it reaches 4 to 6 feet as a rounded shrub; in conservatories and as a container plant it is widely grown across cooler climates.

It flowers most prolifically in bright indirect light with regular moisture and warmth. In warm months it can move outdoors to a sheltered, partly shaded position. Prune after the main flush of flowering to encourage fresh growth and new flower spikes, which emerge on new wood. The plant is drought tolerant once established but flowers most freely with consistent moisture.