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Mirabilis (plant)

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Mirabilis
Mirabilis jalapa
Scientific classification
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Genus:
Mirabilis

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]

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.

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, deep-throated flowers, often fragrant.

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

Selected species

References

  1. ^ a b "Genus: Mirabilis L." Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2010-07-07. 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. Retrieved 2012-11-28.