MIRABILIS JALAPA Meaning and
Definition
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Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as the four o'clock flower, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Americas. It belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae and is primarily cultivated for its attractive and scented flowers. The name "Mirabilis" derives from the Latin word for "wonderful" or "marvelous," which aptly describes the striking nature of this plant species.
Four o'clock flowers typically reach a height of around 1 to 3 feet (30 to 91 centimeters) and have a spreading, bushy growth habit. The leaves are dark green and ovate, with a smooth texture, while the flowers come in a variety of vibrant colors, including pink, red, yellow, white, and combinations thereof. One interesting feature of this plant is its ability to produce flowers of different colors on the same plant, adding to its allure.
The specific epithet "jalapa" references the town of Xalapa (also known as Jalapa) in Mexico, where the plant was first scientifically described and documented. The flowers of Mirabilis jalapa typically bloom in the late afternoon, hence the common name "four o'clock flower." The blooms remain open throughout the night and fade by morning, making way for new flowers the following afternoon.
In addition to its ornamental value, Mirabilis jalapa has also been attributed with certain medicinal properties. Various parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and root, have been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like inflammation, digestive issues, and skin disorders. However, it is essential to note that the plant should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as some components may have potential toxic effects.
Overall, Mirabilis jalapa
Common Misspellings for MIRABILIS JALAPA
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Etymology of MIRABILIS JALAPA
The word Mirabilis Jalapa has an interesting etymology.
The genus name Mirabilis is derived from the Latin word mirabilis, meaning wonderful or marvelous. This name was given to the plant due to the beauty of its flowers, which come in various vibrant colors and have a striking appearance.
The species name Jalapa refers to the town or city of Jalapa in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. This is because the Mirabilis Jalapa plant is native to this region. It was first described and classified by French botanist Michel Félix Dunal in the early 19th century, who named it after the place of its origin.
So, Mirabilis Jalapa essentially translates to marvelous plant from Jalapa.
