Cuphea carthagenesis (Jacq.) J.F. Macbr. - Colombian Waxweed
Family - Lythraceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Calyx.
Fruit.
Flowering - June - September.
Habitat - Marshes, ditches, wet hammocks, floodplain forests, low meadows.
Origin - Native to South America.
Other information - This weedy but attractive little species can be found mainly in the southern portion of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its erect, glandular-hirtellous stems, opposite leaves, and small pink flowers. The flowers have 5 thin petals.
The genus name Cuphea derives from the Greek "cyph(o)" meaning "bent, gibbous" referring to the calyx.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Eufala National Wildlife Refuge, AL., 7-23-05.