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island waxweed
Scientific Name: Cuphea parsonsia
Family: Lythraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Cuphea parsonsia - Island Waxweed
Cuphea parsonsia, commonly known as Island Waxweed, is a flowering plant species belonging to the genus Cuphea. Other common names include Chiagari island waxweed.
Classification and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Family: Lythraceae
- Synonyms:
- Parsonsia parsonsia (L.) Britton
- Cuphea parsonia (L.) R. Br. ex Steud.
Distribution and Habitat
Cuphea parsonsia was found in Hawaii between 1851 and 1855, specifically on the island of Hawaii. It is also mentioned as being located in PR, Isabela Group, Volcn Cerro Azul, and Isabela Island. Creeping waxweed (Cuphea procumbens) is native to southern Mexico, occasionally showing up in North America. Wright's waxweed (CUPWR) is also mentioned.
Morphological Characteristics
Island Waxweed is described as a forb/herb with an annual duration. The plant can have an aggressive stoloniferous growth habit.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Grasshoppers have been observed on Blue Waxweed (Cuphea viscosissima).
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuphea parsonsia.
- Gardening.eu offers an index of plants.
- Plants Profile for Cuphea parsonsia (island waxweed) General Synonyms