Cuphea calophylla

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtales. Finally, it is a member of the family Lythraceae and falls under the genus Cuphea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range spanning across parts of North and Central America. Within Mexico, its distribution is extensive, covering the Central, Southwest, and Southeast regions. Moving south into Central America, the species can also be found in the country of Belize. Additionally, its presence extends further south to include Costa Rica. Consequently, Cuphea calophylla occupies a diverse variety of habitats throughout these tropical and subtropical territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cuphea calophylla is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, spanning from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 2400 m AMSL, with a mean elevational range centered around 2500 m AMSL. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to various landscapes, specifically documented within anthropogenic areas (Área Antrópica), where it thrives amidst human-modified environments.

Elevational range max:

2400 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica

Life history

The life history of Cuphea calophylla is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial, it maintains a continuous presence in its habitat, often developing woody or semi-woody structures that facilitate long-term survival and regrowth after dormant periods. This lifecycle enables the plant to establish a robust root system, which supports sustained vegetative growth and repeated flowering cycles over time. Unlike annuals that must rely on seed production for every generation, or biennials that undergo a two-year cycle, the perennial nature of Cuphea calophylla provides it with the biological stability to endure environmental fluctuations and contribute to the long-term stability of its ecosystem.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cuphea calophylla is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a primarily terrestrial habit rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. As a self-supporting plant, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it require external support to maintain its structure. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutritional requirements. Furthermore, it is strictly terrestrial in its ecological niche, lacking any epiphytic tendencies such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Cuphea calophylla has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytoprotective.

Cytoprotective

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Conditions

Cuphea calophylla has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation.

Inflammation

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Preparations

Cuphea calophylla has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroalcoholic extracts.

Hydroalcoholic extracts

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM