Cuphea ignea explained

Cuphea ignea, the cigar plant, cigar flower,[1] 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.[2] This species, native to Mexico and the West Indies, produces small, tubular, bright red to orange flowers.[3] Each flower is tipped with a thin white rim and two small purple-black petals. The flowers, which are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies,[4] resemble lit cigars, hence the name ignea, which is Latin for "fiery".[5] 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. The leaves are small, elliptical and of a bright green colour. It grows to about 60cm (20inches).[6]

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[7] (confirmed 2017).[8]

In the US, Cuphea ignea is winter hardy to USDA zones 10–12. It is somewhat drought tolerant, but prefers well-watered, well-drained soils.

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ITIS Standard Report Page: Cuphea ignea . Itis.gov . 2010-07-30.
  2. Web site: Cuphea ignea . Floridata . 2010-07-30.
  3. Web site: Cuphea ignea. live. February 19, 2021. Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder. https://web.archive.org/web/20140224002050/http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c516 . 2014-02-24 .
  4. Web site: Cuphea ignea (Firecracker Plant, Mexican Cigar Plant) North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. 2021-02-20. plants.ces.ncsu.edu.
  5. Web site: Cuphea ignea . Mobot.org . 2010-07-30.
  6. Web site: Cuphea ignea Cigar Flower, Cigarette Plant . Titanarum.uconn.edu . 2010-07-30 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100630061802/http://titanarum.uconn.edu/198500176.html . 2010-06-30 .
  7. Web site: Cuphea ignea. Royal Horticultural Society. 2020-04-17.
  8. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 26 . Royal Horticultural Society . 24 January 2018.