Cuphea ( )

1 species naturalized Aust.; Qld, NSW

*Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F.Macbr.

Erect or spreading herb with glandular hairs. Leaves opposite, subsessile or with a short petiole; ovate to elliptic, 1–5.5 cm long, 0.5–2 cm wide, scabrous. Inflorescence a monochasial cyme or sometimes solitary in leaf axils. Hypanthium 11-veined and shortly spurred at base. Petals violet to purple. Stamens 11, not exceeding the petals. Fruit a capsule 2 mm diam. with 4–8 seeds. Possible collection from Cumberland DSF. Introd. from S. America. Fl. spring