Mirabilis (plant)

Mirabilis is a genus of plants in the family Nyctaginaceae known as the four-o'clocks or umbrellaworts.[2] The best known species may be Mirabilis jalapa, the plant most commonly called four o'clock.

Mirabilis
Mirabilis jalapa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Tribe: Nyctagineae
Genus: Mirabilis
L.[1]
Species

About 60; see text.

Synonyms

Allioniella Rydb.
Calymenia Pers.
Calyxhymenia Ortega
Hermidium S.Watson
Hesperonia Standl.
Nyctago Juss.
Oxybaphus L’Hér. ex Willd.
Quamoclidion Choisy[1]

There are several dozen species in the genus, of herbaceous plants, mostly found in the Americas. Some form tuberous roots that enable them to perennate through dry and cool seasons. They have small, often fragrant, deep-throated flowers.

Although best known as ornamental plants, at least one species, mauka (M. expansa), is grown for food.

Selected species

References
  1. "Genus: Mirabilis L". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2010-07-07. Archived from the original on 2009-01-15. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
  2. Yatskievych, George (2013). Steyermark's Flora of Missouri: Volume 3. St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press. p. 482. ISBN 978-0-915279-13-5.
  3. "GRIN Species Records of Mirabilis". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 2000-12-12. Retrieved 2012-11-28.


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