Cuphea ignea
Introduction '''''Cuphea ignea''''', the '''cigar plant''', '''cigar flower''', '''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. This species, native to Mexico and the West Indies, produces small, tubular, bright red to orange flowers. Each flower is tipped with a thin white rim and two small purple-black petals. The flowers, which are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, resemble lit cigars, hence the name ''ignea'', which is Latin for "fiery".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 .
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 (confirmed 2017).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.Cuphea ignea-IMG 9713.JPGCuphea ignea3.jpgCuphea ignea 11zz.jpg
References * ''Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe''. Ghent (Gand) 5: t. 500c. 1849
External links * HEAR information