Cigar Plant, Cuphea ignea

Cigar Plant

Cuphea ignea
Originated in Africa.

Synonyms: Firecracker Plant, Cuphea platycentra

Grows best in zones 8a to 11. The blooms are red to reddish orange. Seems to self seed.

Are you looking for a unique and eye-catching plant to add to your garden? Look no further than the Cigar Plant! This tropical plant, also known as Cuphea ignea, is sure to captivate your attention with its fascinating appearance and easy-to-care-for nature.

Originating from Mexico, Central and South America, the Cigar Plant is a member of the Lythraceae family. This family includes over 620 species of plants, all of which are known for their showy flowers and bright colors. The Cigar Plant is no exception, featuring vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

One of the most interesting features of the Cigar Plant is its unique, tube-shaped flowers. These flowers resemble cigars, hence the name of the plant, and grow up to 2 inches long. They are often compared to tiny torches, as they seem to blaze with color in the sunlight.

In addition to its striking appearance, the Cigar Plant is also incredibly easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, but it can tolerate drought and heat. This makes it an ideal choice for gardeners who live in warm, dry climates, or who simply don't have a lot of time to devote to plant maintenance.

Another benefit of the Cigar Plant is its ability to attract pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all drawn to the bright colors and sweet nectar of the plant's flowers. This can help to increase biodiversity in your garden and promote a healthy ecosystem.

If you're interested in adding a Cigar Plant to your garden, there are several different varieties to choose from. Some popular options include:

David Verity: This variety features bright orange flowers with a yellow tip. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms from spring through fall.

Tiny Mice: This miniature version of the Cigar Plant only grows up to 12 inches tall. It features red and yellow flowers and is ideal for containers or small gardens.

Starfire: This cultivar has deep red flowers with yellow tips. It grows up to 2 feet tall and blooms from spring through fall.

No matter which variety you choose, the Cigar Plant is sure to impress. Its unique appearance, easy care, and ability to attract pollinators make it a standout choice for any garden. So why not give it a try? You won't be disappointed!

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Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense

Naranjilla

Solanum quitoense

Synonyms: Solanum angulatum, Quito orange, Golden Fruit of the Andes, Bed of Nails and Lulo

Naranjilla

The plant is fascinating, with large heart-shaped leaves up to 18 in. in length. The leaves and stems of the plant are blanketed in short purple hairs. They are fragile plants and must be shielded from intense winds and direct sunlight.

The Naranjilla Solanum quitoense is a tomato relative native to northern South America and it is raised commonly at high elevations, between 3 and 7 thousand feet. The plant might grow to heights of 6 to 10 feet with extra large spiny leaves, sometimes measuring 18 inches long, and 5 to 8 in. wide or larger. The dark green leaves bear purple veins on the upper surface and whitish or purplish on the lower side.

The pear-shaped berries are covered with short, stiff hairs that are pretty promptly deciduous so that they are hairless or almost so when they reach the marketplace. At prime the fruits, 2 to 3 in. in diameter, are orange, which is accountable for the Spanish name meaning "little orange." The flesh or pulp of the fruit, nonetheless, is green. The aroma and flavor are uncomparable, but many individuals have swore a likeness to a mix of strawberries and pineapple, Other people swore to that of citrus. The fruit is loaded in vitamins A and C.

It likes regular watering and can withstand short temperatures below freezing. It is easily grown in a container, and is frequently done so in regions with nematode problems as it is open to root nematodes. The plant is believed to be a abbreviated day plant, and might only set fruit if there are 8 to 10 daytime hours.

Danger in the handling of the plant might cause skin irritation or allergic response. It has spines or sharp edges; use utmost care when handling. The plant has white or near white bloom color in the middle of summer. Can be propagated from seed or dividing the root ball.

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