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Cuphea micropetala Kunth
| Family Name: | Lythraceae |
| Common Name: | Mexican Cigar Plant, Tall Cigar Plant, Candy Corn Plant, 小瓣萼距花 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Western and central Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Semi-woody shrub growing up to 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Small, narrow leaves, opposite arrangement, measuring about 10 - 15 cm long. |
| Flowers | Yellow to orange-red tubular flowers about 4 cm long, usually on the branching tips of stems. |
| Habitat | It grows along the margins of fast-flowing streams and irrigation ditches. |
| Etymology | Genus ‘Cuphea’ comes from the Greek word kyphos, which means curved, in reference to the shape of the seed capsules. Species micropetala means small-petalled. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Flowers) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Red, White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31265 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5660 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
