Family: Lythraceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Cuphea subuligera, commonly known as mauve cuphea, is native to southeastern Mexico. This low-growing, spreading shrub typically reaches about 1–3 feet in height and forms a compact mound of fine-textured foliage. It produces abundant small, tubular mauve to purple flowers over a long blooming season, making it a colorful choice for borders, mass plantings, containers, and groundcover in sunny landscapes. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and butterflies, adding value to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, mauve cuphea is naturalized but is currently considered low risk. While it can reproduce by seed and persist where conditions are favorable, it has not shown aggressive invasive behavior or widespread ecological impacts. As with any introduced ornamental, responsible planting and routine monitoring are recommended to prevent spread beyond intended areas, especially near natural habitats. When properly managed, Cuphea subuligera remains a manageable landscape plant.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on the island of Hawai'i
  
• Congeneric weed (C. ignea invasive in La Réunion)
  
• Hybridizes naturally with C. ignea
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (grown in gardens, introduced to Hawaii)
  
• Suited to tropical climates (high climate match)
  
• Broad environmental versatility (wide elevation range: 5,000–9,000 ft)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Shade tolerant (occurs in cloud forest, rainforest understory)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of weediness
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No toxicity to animals or humans
  
• Not bird, wind, or water dispersed; gravity-dispersed seeds
  
• Requires specialist pollinators (hummingbirds)