[3] This species, native to Mexico and the West Indies, produces small, tubular, bright red to orange flowers.

The flowers, which are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies,[5] resemble lit cigars, hence the name ignea, which is Latin for "fiery".

[6] The genus name Cuphea comes from the Greek word kyphos which means curved or humped; this is thought to refer to the shape of the seeds.

[7] In temperate climates Cuphea ignea requires a warm, sheltered spot, as it does not tolerate frost.

In the UK this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit[8] (confirmed 2017).