CU'PHEA MINIA'TA. 
VERMILLION CUPHEA. 
Class. 
DODECANDRIA. 
Order. 
MONOGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
LYTHRACEi. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
S. America ? 
18 inches. 
June, July. 
Perennial. 
in 1845. 
No. 1093. 
The crooked capsule of this genus seems to have 
attracted the attention of Jacquin, who established 
the genus, as themost prominent character on which 
he could seize for a significant appellation. The 
Greek word cuphos, signifying a curve, is the root 
of its generic name. 
This genus is extensive, although but few species 
have been introduced to our country, for cultivation, 
indeed their petals are usually so small, and in some 
instances none at all, that they would constitute 
very insignificant ornaments in the flower garden. 
In fact we cannot speak of the Cuphea miniata in 
terms of high praise, in regard to its showy character. 
It is rather a curious, then a gay, plant, although its 
little flowers are really brilliant. The purple of one 
part, and the Vermillion of the other, form a rather 
novel combination of colour. It both grows and 
flowers very freely in the borders, during summer ; 
in winter, however, it must have protection from 
frosts ; therefore, sometime in October, the plants 
should be carefully taken up, and potted for that 
purpose. It may be readily struck from cuttings, 
not only in spring, but at any time of its growth. 
274 . 
