Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as the Marvel of Peru or Four O’Clock flower, is one of the most cherished ornamental plants globally. Its vibrant blooms, unique blooming behavior, and historical significance have captivated gardeners and botanists for centuries. Native to tropical regions of North and South America, it was first cultivated by the Aztecs and later introduced to Europe in 1525, where it continues to be a favorite ornamental plant.
Why is it Called the Four O’Clock Flower?
The Four O’Clock flower gets its name due to its peculiar blooming pattern. The flowers open in the late afternoon, between 4 and 8 PM, and emit a sweet fragrance throughout the night. As dawn approaches, they close and new blooms open the following evening, making them a popular choice for evening gardens.
Etymology of Mirabilis Jalapa
The scientific name Mirabilis jalapa was given by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Mirabilis in Latin means “wonderful,” referring to the striking colors of the plant’s flowers. The name jalapa could be derived from either Xalapa (Jalapa), the capital of Veracruz in Mexico, or from the plant’s historical use as a purgative, known as “jalap” from its tuberous roots.
Botanical Description
Mirabilis jalapa is a perennial, herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 1–2 meters in height. The flowers display a fascinating trait where blooms of different colors, such as yellow, pink, white, red, or magenta, can appear simultaneously on the same plant. Moreover, a single flower can have mixed patterns with stripes, spots, or sectors. As the plant matures, it can also change colors, with yellow flowers turning dark pink and white ones shifting to light violet.
Cultural and Medicinal Uses
Historically, Mirabilis jalapa was cultivated by the Aztecs for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. The plant has been used in traditional medicine across various cultures for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and purgative properties. In Peru, the juice from its flowers is applied to herpes lesions and used to treat earaches, while in Mexico, decoctions of the plant are used for treating dysentery, infected wounds, and scorpion stings.
In Brazil, indigenous people use the root to treat skin conditions like leprosy and to wash wounds. Mirabilis jalapa’s roots, leaves, and flowers have all been used to address health conditions such as syphilis, liver infections, and diarrhea.
Unique Pollination and Ecology
Mirabilis jalapa‘s unique nighttime blooming habit attracts long-tongued moths, such as sphinx moths, for pollination. These nocturnal pollinators are drawn to the plant’s strong fragrance, which is similar to the scent of tobacco flowers. The plant’s flowers typically remain open for 16 to 20 hours, exuding their sweet scent during the evening and early morning hours.
Growth and Cultivation Tips
Mirabilis jalapa is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. It prefers well-drained, light soil rich in organic matter. This plant is quite easy to grow, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. While it is perennial in warmer tropical and subtropical regions, it can be grown as an annual in temperate zones. The plant self-seeds and can spread rapidly if not managed, making it essential to monitor its growth.
In regions with frost, the aerial part of the plant will die back during winter, but the underground tubers remain viable and will sprout again in the spring. This allows the plant to perennialize in warm coastal climates, particularly in USDA zones 7–10.
Scientific Research and Chemical Composition
The Marvel of Peru has been the subject of genetic studies for over a century. In the early 1900s, Carl Correns used Mirabilis jalapa as a model organism to study cytoplasmic inheritance, a phenomenon that challenges the traditional Mendelian theory. Additionally, the plant has been used to study incomplete dominance, as crossing dark-pink flowers with white ones often produces light-pink offspring.
Mirabilis jalapa contains various bioactive compounds, including betaxanthins and rotenoids, which have shown antimicrobial properties. The plant also contains fatty acids, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol, all of which have potential applications in natural medicine and cosmetics.
Environmental Impact and Bioremediation Potential
Interestingly, Mirabilis jalapa has shown potential for bioremediation in soils contaminated with heavy metals like cadmium. Its robust growth and ability to thrive in challenging conditions make it a promising candidate for environmental cleanup in polluted areas.
Conclusion: A Plant Worth Cultivating
Mirabilis jalapa is much more than a beautiful flower. Its rich history, medicinal uses, and ecological significance make it a plant worth cultivating in gardens around the world. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant blooms, evening fragrance, or historical significance, the Four O’Clock flower truly lives up to its name as the “Marvel of Peru.”