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waxweed

Cuphea · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Waxweed, scientifically known as Cuphea, is a versatile genus of flowering plants valued for their ornamental beauty and medicinal potential. Native to tropical regions, various species offer therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Often used in traditional remedies, these resilient plants provide significant value in holistic wellness.

Family
Lythraceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Seed
Common names
Waxweed · Cigar Plants And Allies · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Quirina · Dipetalon · 6 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Cuphea

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Cuphaea
  • Melanium
  • Melvilla
  • Siete sangrias

German:

  • Köcherblümchen
  • Köcherblümchen

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Lythraceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Cuphea.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Myrtales
Family Lythraceae
Genus Cuphea

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across several distinct regions. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain. Its range extends southward into Northern Africa, specifically within the borders of Morocco. The species is also present in Macaronesia, inhabiting the Azores islands. Finally, it is documented in West Tropical Africa, appearing in both Guinea and Liberia.

Region Area
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Africa Morocco
Macaronesia Azores
West Tropical Africa Guinea
West Tropical Africa Liberia
West-Central Tropical Africa Cameroon
East Tropical Africa Kenya
Southern Africa Northern Provinces
Western Indian Ocean Mauritius
Western Indian Ocean Réunion

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Cuphea has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Plant parts reported in Cuphea
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Seed 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Seed

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Chemicals

Cuphea has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coumarins, Flavonoids, Tannins, Triterpenes, polyphenols.

Chemicals reported in Cuphea
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Coumarins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Triterpenes 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Coumarins

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Flavonoids

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Tannins

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Triterpenes

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

polyphenols

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Conditions

Cuphea has 6 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cough, hypertension, pain, parasitic infections, rheumatism.

Conditions investigated for Cuphea
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Cough 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Hypertension 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Pain 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Parasitic infections 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Rheumatism 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Wounds 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Cough

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Hypertension

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Pain

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Parasitic infections

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Rheumatism

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Wounds

  1. International journal of molecular sciences

Preparations

Cuphea has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include seed oils.

Preparations reported for Cuphea
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Seed oils 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Seed oils

  1. International journal of molecular sciences