Lythraceae Woody perennial, half-hardy. Native to Southern and Central America and Jamaica. This is an upright multi-stemmed bush with numerous small, yellow flowers. Ethnobotanical sources describe smoking or making a tea of the dried leaves of this plant to promote a sense of well-being.
Vision becomes tinted with yellow, hence the common name sun opener.
Nice landscaping plant, good for topiary. Grows best in hot climates. Very small seed must be sprinkled on the surface of a flat and pressed in. Mist with water, or bottom water. Transplant out to garden or landscape as soon as the seedlings can be handled.