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Wright's waxweed

Scientific Name: Cuphea wrightii

Family: Lythraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Wright's Waxweed (Cuphea wrightii)

Wright's Waxweed, scientifically known as Cuphea wrightii, is a plant that belongs to the genus Cuphea.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuphea wrightii A. Gray
  • Common Name: Wright's Waxweed
  • Genus: Cuphea P. Br. (Waxweed)
  • Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Cuphea wrightii A. Gray var. nematopetala Bacig.
    • Parsonsia wrightii (A.) - Note that this is not always considered an active synonym.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Subspecies and Varieties: Several subspecies and varieties are recognized, including:
    • Cuphea wrightii subsp. wrightii
    • Cuphea wrightii var. compacta
    • Cuphea wrightii var. nematopetala Bacig.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Wright's Waxweed has been observed in Arizona, specifically in locations like the Coronado National Forest (Santa Cruz County), Montosa Canyon, and the Santa Rita Mountains.
  • It is not found in Idaho.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Wright's Waxweed is described as a forb/herb.
  • It can be either an annual or perennial plant.

Ecological Role

  • The plant's seed oil is referenced in comparison to coconut and palm kernel oil, suggesting it could potentially have similar ecological roles related to seed dispersal or interactions with animals that consume the seeds.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • The text references sequences and proteins like "3-oxoacyl-acyl-carrier-protein synthase 3 B, chloroplastic EC=2.3.1.180" (also known as KAS III B), which are involved in fatty acid synthesis. This suggests that Wright's Waxweed is being studied at the molecular level for its oil production capabilities.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions its association with the Lythraceae family.
  • It also notes an instance of a sixth petal being observed on a flower, suggesting potential variations within the species that may attract specific pollinators.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuphea wrightii.
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) lists Cuphea wrightii with TSN 27099.
  • CalPhotos offers images of Cuphea wrightii.