History of Use, Importance and Perspectives of Cuphea Species

Cuphea P. Browne (Lythraceae J.St.-Hil.) comprises approximately 240–260 species that grow wild in the warm-temperate and tropical regions of South and Central America, as well as in the southern part of North America. The economic value of these plants is broad and multifaceted, with particular interest in their ability to synthesize and store oil (ranging from 16 to 42%) in seeds rich in capric, caprylic, lauric, and myristic acids. These oils are used in the production of laundry detergents, plasticizers, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products. Significant efforts have been made to adapt this genus to cultivation in temperate climates for the sustainable production of specialty oils. However, Cuphea species retain several wild-type traits such as indeterminate growth and flowering, seed shattering, deep seed dormancy, and the presence of viscous and glandular trichomes, which limit their agricultural potential. Various breeding strategies and modern biotechnological tools have been employed to mitigate these undesirable traits. One of the earliest milestones in the domestication of Cuphea species was the development of the PSR23 line, characterized by partial seed retention. The chemical composition, agronomic performance, disease resistance, and productivity of this line have since been extensively evaluated. This review provides an overview of the biology, distribution, and economic importance of Cuphea species. It also highlights the research history of the genus, including its taxonomic classification, morphological diversity, chromosome numbers, phytochemical profile, therapeutic potential, and progress in domestication.