Status:
valid
Authors:
Kunth
Source:
cmp
Year:
1824
Citation Micro:
Nov. Gen. Sp. 6: 199 (1824)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000630042
Common Names
- Cuphea Gracilis
- Graceful Cuphea
- Graceful Waxweed
Synonyms
- Cuphea antisyphilitica Benth. [unknown]
- Cuphea gracilis media Koehne [unknown]
- Cuphea gracilis orinocensis A.St.-Hil. [unknown]
- Cuphea multicaulis Koehne [unknown]
- Cuphea pauciflora Koehne [unknown]
Description
Cuphea gracilis (also called Slender Cuphea, among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 4 feet tall and wide. It has small, oval leaves and produces white, pink, or lavender flowers in summer. Native to Mexico, it is often found in gardens, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Uses & Benefits
Cuphea gracilis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Cuphea gracilis has small, tubular, white flowers with yellowish-green tips. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of opposite, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cuphea gracilis is a tender perennial that is best grown in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a warm, moist environment and kept at a temperature of at least 70°F. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy stems and rooted in a moist, well-draining medium.
Where to Find Cuphea gracilis
Cuphea gracilis is native to Mexico and can be found in dry scrublands.
Cuphea gracilis FAQ
What is the average height of Cuphea gracilis?
Cuphea gracilis typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters.
What type of soil does Cuphea gracilis prefer?
Cuphea gracilis prefers well-drained, sandy soil.
What is the natural habitat of Cuphea gracilis?
Cuphea gracilis is native to the subtropical forests of Mexico.
Species in the Cuphea genus
Cuphea alatosperma,
Cuphea anamariae,
Cuphea exilis,
Cuphea filiformis,
Cuphea lucens,
Cuphea rupestris,
Cuphea acicularis,
Cuphea acinifolia,
Cuphea acinos,
Cuphea adenophylla,
Cuphea aequipetala,
Cuphea affinitatum,
Cuphea alaniana,
Cuphea anagalloidea,
Cuphea angustifolia,
Cuphea anisoclada,
Cuphea annulata,
Cuphea antisyphilitica,
Cuphea aperta,
Cuphea appendiculata,
Cuphea apurensis,
Cuphea aquilana,
Cuphea arenarioides,
Cuphea aristata,
Cuphea armata,
Cuphea aspera,
Cuphea avigera,
Cuphea bahiensis,
Cuphea baillonis,
Cuphea blackii,
Cuphea bolivarensis,
Cuphea bombonasae,
Cuphea bonplandii,
Cuphea brachiata,
Cuphea brachyantha,
Cuphea brachypoda,
Cuphea bracteolosa,
Cuphea bustamanta,
Cuphea caesariata,
Cuphea calaminthifolia,
Cuphea calcarata,
Cuphea calophylla,
Cuphea campestris,
Cuphea campylocentra,
Cuphea carajasensis,
Cuphea cardonae,
Cuphea carthagenensis,
Cuphea carunculata,
Cuphea cataractarum,
Cuphea chiribiquetea,
Species in the Lythraceae family
Adenaria floribunda,
Ammannia aegyptiaca,
Ammannia alternifolia,
Ammannia anagalloides,
Ammannia aspera,
Ammannia auriculata,
Ammannia baccifera,
Ammannia coccinea,
Ammannia cordata,
Ammannia crassicaulis,
Ammannia crinipes,
Ammannia debilis,
Ammannia desertorum,
Ammannia dodecandra,
Ammannia elata,
Ammannia gracilis,
Ammannia latifolia,
Ammannia linearipetala,
Ammannia loandensis,
Ammannia multiflora,
Ammannia myriophylloides,
Ammannia nagpurensis,
Ammannia octandra,
Ammannia passerinoides,
Ammannia prieuriana,
Ammannia prostrata,
Ammannia quadriciliata,
Ammannia robusta,
Ammannia sarcophylla,
Ammannia schaeferi,
Ammannia senegalensis,
Ammannia triflora,
Ammannia uniflora,
Ammannia urceolata,
Ammannia verticillata,
Ammannia wormskioldii,
Ammannia calcicola,
Ammannia heterophylla,
Ammannia pauciramosa,
Ammannia pubescens,
Ammannia praetermissa,
Ammannia andongensis,
Ammannia angolensis,
Ammannia angustifolia,
Ammannia arnhemica,
Ammannia aurita,
Ammannia baumii,
Ammannia bequaertii,
Ammannia brevistyla,
Ammannia burttii,