Cuphea ignea
| Cuphea ignea | |
|---|---|
| File:Cuphea ignea1.jpg | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Genus: | Cuphea |
| Species: | C. ignea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cuphea ignea | |
Cuphea ignea, the cigar plant, cigar flower,[2] firecracker plant, or Mexican cigar, sometimes referred to as cigarette plant or cigarette bush is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cuphea of the family Lythraceae. It is a tropical, densely branched evergreen subshrub.[3] This species, native to Mexico and the West Indies, produces small, tubular, bright red to orange flowers.[4] Each flower is tipped with a thin white rim and two small purple-black petals. The flowers, which are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies,[5] resemble lit cigars, hence the name ignea, which is Latin for "fiery".[6] The genus name Cuphea comes from the Greek word kyphos which means curved or humped; this is thought to refer to the shape of the seeds.[4] The leaves are small, elliptical and of a bright green colour. It grows to about 60 cm (24 in).[7]
Cultivation
[edit | edit source]In temperate climates Cuphea ignea requires a warm, sheltered spot, as it does not tolerate frost. Alternately it may be grown under glass or indoors as a houseplant. In the UK this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit[8] (confirmed 2017).[9]
In the US, Cuphea ignea is winter hardy to USDA zones 10–12.[4] It is somewhat drought tolerant, but prefers well-watered, well-drained soils.[5]
References
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- Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe. Ghent (Gand) 5: t. 500c. 1849
External links
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