bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Cuphea ignea, the cigar plant, cigar flower,[2] firecracker plant, or Mexican cigar, 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]

Cuphea ignea
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Lythraceae
Genus:	Cuphea
Species:	C. ignea
Binomial name
Cuphea ignea A.DC.

Cultivation

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

• Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe. Ghent (Gand) 5: t. 500c. 1849

External links

• HEAR information

---