Family: Lythraceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Cuphea ignea, commonly known as Mexican cigar plant, is native to southeastern and southwestern Mexico. This compact, evergreen shrub typically grows 1–3 feet tall and is known for its narrow, tubular red-orange flowers tipped with white and dark purple, resembling tiny lit cigars. It blooms nearly year-round in warm climates and is highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Mexican cigar plant is widely used in ornamental landscaping as a border plant, in mass plantings, or in containers. Its tolerance of heat and continuous flowering make it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens, including in Hawaiʻi.
Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, Mexican cigar plant is naturalized but is currently considered Low Risk. Although it can reproduce by seed and persist outside of cultivation, it has not demonstrated aggressive invasive behavior or significant impacts to native ecosystems. As with any naturalized species, thoughtful planting and routine garden maintenance are recommended to prevent spread into nearby natural areas. Monitoring for volunteer seedlings and properly disposing of plant material can help reduce unintended establishment. When planting near sensitive habitats, selecting native or non-invasive alternatives is encouraged to support Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized beyond native range (Antilles, Jamaica)
- Congeners are serious weeds (e.g., C. carthagenensis)
- Widely cultivated & intentionally introduced
- Self-compatible
- Tolerates shade
- Tolerates pruning; resprouts after dieback
- Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
- Host to generalist pests
- Sticky seed coat may adhere to surfaces/animals
Low Risk Traits:
- Not documented as a weed anywhere
- Non-toxic to humans and livestock
- Palatable to deer (not resistant)
- No vegetative spread in wild
- No persistent seed bank (rapid germination)
- Non-climbing; does not form dense thickets
- No wind/water/bird dispersal adaptations
- No spines or burrs
