Sticky Waxweed

Appearance

Cuphea glutinosa is an evergreen, low-growing, much-branched, perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody and can persist; it can grow 15 - 35cm tall. All parts of the plant are sticky.
Small, freely branching shrub or subshrub with unusual violet tubular flowers that open to a star shape displaying purple stripes.

Naming

Other Names: Lavender Lady

Distribution

North to South America.

Habitat

Wet meadows.

Uses

The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental, where it makes a good ground cover and also helps to reduce soil erosion. It is also a potential oil crop.