Cigar plant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cigar plant |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cuphea
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| Species: |
ignea
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The cigar plant, also known as the cigar flower or firecracker plant, is a cool flowering plant. Its scientific name is Cuphea ignea. It gets its name because its bright red flowers look a lot like a lit cigar! The word ignea even means "fire" in Latin. This plant is a type of small, bushy evergreen plant, which means it stays green all year round. It originally comes from Mexico and the West Indies.
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What is the Cigar Plant?
The cigar plant is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to a group of plants called Cuphea. This plant is a subshrub, which means it's like a small bush. It stays green all year, so it's an evergreen plant.
Its Unique Flowers
The flowers of the cigar plant are very special. They are small and shaped like tubes. They are usually bright red or orange. Each flower has a thin white tip. It also has two tiny purple-black petals. These flowers are very popular with hummingbirds and butterflys. They love to visit the plant for its nectar!
Leaves and Size
The leaves of the cigar plant are small. They are shaped like an oval. They are also a bright green color. This plant usually grows to be about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall.
Where the Name Comes From
The name Cuphea comes from a Greek word. "Kyphos" means curved or humped. This might refer to the shape of the plant's seeds. The word ignea is Latin for "fire." This part of the name describes the fiery red color of its flowers. It also reminds us of a lit cigar!
Growing Cigar Plants
Cigar plants are fun to grow. But they need certain conditions to be happy.
Climate Needs
This plant loves warm places. It grows best in tropical areas. It does not like cold weather or frost. Frost can hurt the plant. In places with cooler weather, you might need to grow it indoors. You can also grow it in a greenhouse.
Caring for Your Plant
In the United States, the cigar plant can survive winter in warmer areas. These are called USDA zones 10-12. The plant can handle some dry spells. But it prefers soil that is watered well. The soil should also drain water easily. This means water doesn't sit around the roots.
The Royal Horticultural Society in the UK has given this plant an award. It's called the Award of Garden Merit. This means it's a great plant for gardens!
Images for kids
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False Heather (C. hyssopifolia) fruit with seeds
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Cuphea cyanea flowers
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Cuphea procumbens fruits
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Cuphea hyssopifolia branch structure
See also
In Spanish: Cuphea para niños
