Cuphea lanceolata

Cuphea lanceolata
Flower of Cuphea lanceolata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Cuphea
Species: C. lanceolata
Binomial name
Cuphea lanceolata
W.T.Aiton

Cuphea lanceolata, also known as the Cigar Flower, is an annual herbaceous flowering plant in the genus Cuphea, belonging to the Lythraceae family.

Description

Cuphea lanceolata reaches on average a height of 45–60 centimetres (18–24 in). It has a branched stem with opposite, narrow, up to 7 cm long leaves. The flowers are tubular, dark-lilac or cherry-red, with six petals. The two upper petals are large and ear-shaped, while the others are quite small. The flowering period extends from June through August. The fruit is a capsule.

Distribution

This species is native to North and Central Mexico.

Habitat

This tropical plant prefers hot, humid weather and rich, well drained soils in full sun.

References

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