60 Species of Genus Mirabilis

Mirabilis: A Floral Fascination

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the unique and intriguing in the natural world. Lately, my interest has settled on the genus Mirabilis, a fascinating group of flowering plants with a captivating charm. Known commonly as the “four o’clocks” or “umbrellaworts,” these plants have a unique beauty and a rich history that spans continents.

A Diverse Genus

The Mirabilis genus belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family, a group known for its diverse floral structures and vibrant colors. The genus itself boasts a wide array of species, each with its own distinct characteristics:

  1. Mirabilis acuta (Reiche) Heimerl
  2. Mirabilis aggregata (Ortega) Cav.
  3. Mirabilis albida (Walter) Heimerl
  4. Mirabilis alipes (S.Watson) Pils
  5. Mirabilis austrotexana B.L.Turner
  6. Mirabilis bracteosa (Griseb.) Heimerl
  7. Mirabilis campanulata Heimerl
  8. Mirabilis coccinea (Torr.) Benth. & Hook.f.
  9. Mirabilis × collina Shinners
  10. Mirabilis comata (Small) Standl.
  11. Mirabilis cordifolia (Kunze ex Choisy) Heimerl
  12. Mirabilis donahooana Le Duc
  13. Mirabilis elegans (Choisy) Heimerl
  14. Mirabilis expansa (Ruiz & Pav.) Standl.
  15. Mirabilis exserta Brandegee
  16. Mirabilis gigantea (Standl.) Shinners
  17. Mirabilis glabra (S.Watson) Standl.
  18. Mirabilis glabrifolia (Ortega) I.M.Johnst.
  19. Mirabilis glutinosa Kuntze
  20. Mirabilis gracilis (Standl.) Le Duc
  21. Mirabilis grandiflora (Standl.) Standl.
  22. Mirabilis greenei S.Watson
  23. Mirabilis himalaica (Edgew.) Heimerl
  24. Mirabilis hintoniorum Le Duc
  25. Mirabilis intercedens Heimerl
  26. Mirabilis jalapa L.
  27. Mirabilis laevis (Benth.) Curran
  28. Mirabilis latifolia (A.Gray) J.Diggs, Lipscomb & O’Kennon
  29. Mirabilis linearis (Pursh) Heimerl
  30. Mirabilis longiflora L.
  31. Mirabilis longipes (Standl.) Standl.
  32. Mirabilis macfarlanei Constance & Rollins
  33. Mirabilis melanotricha (Standl.) Spellenb.
  34. Mirabilis muelleri Standl.
  35. Mirabilis multiflora (Torr.) A.Gray
  36. Mirabilis nesomii B.L.Turner
  37. Mirabilis nyctaginea (Michx.) MacMill.
  38. Mirabilis oaxacae Heimerl
  39. Mirabilis oligantha (Standl.) J.F.Macbr.
  40. Mirabilis ovata (Ruiz & Pav.) F.Meigen
  41. Mirabilis oxybaphoides (A.Gray) A.Gray
  42. Mirabilis polonii Le Duc
  43. Mirabilis pringlei Weath.
  44. Mirabilis prostrata (Ruiz & Pav.) Heimerl
  45. Mirabilis pudica Barneby
  46. Mirabilis pulchella Standl. & Steyerm.
  47. Mirabilis rotundifolia (Greene) Standl.
  48. Mirabilis russellii Le Duc
  49. Mirabilis sanguinea Heimerl
  50. Mirabilis × serotina Shinners
  51. Mirabilis suffruticosa (Standl.) Standl.
  52. Mirabilis tenuiloba S.Watson
  53. Mirabilis texensis (J.M.Coult.) B.L.Turner
  54. Mirabilis triflora Benth.
  55. Mirabilis trollii Heimerl
  56. Mirabilis urbani Heimerl
  57. Mirabilis violacea (L.) Heimerl
  58. Mirabilis viscosa Cav.
  59. Mirabilis watsoniana Heimerl
  60. Mirabilis weberbaueri Heimerl

The Allure of the Four O’Clocks

What captivates me most about Mirabilis is the unique characteristic that gives them their common name. The flowers of many species, most notably Mirabilis jalapa, tend to bloom in the late afternoon, around four o’clock, creating a spectacle of color as the sun begins to set. This unusual blooming time is an adaptation to attract nocturnal pollinators, such as moths, which are active during the cooler evening hours.

Another fascinating aspect of Mirabilis is the phenomenon of “color variation” within a single plant. It’s not uncommon to find flowers of different colors on the same Mirabilis plant, or even different colored sectors within the same flower. This unique trait is due to a genetic phenomenon known as “transposable elements,” or “jumping genes,” which can cause changes in the pigment production within the flower cells.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Mirabilis has a rich history, with evidence suggesting its cultivation in the Andes region of South America for over 1,000 years. The Aztecs used Mirabilis jalapa for medicinal purposes and also as a dye source. In the 16th century, the plant was introduced to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity as an ornamental garden flower.

Today, Mirabilis continues to be a beloved garden plant worldwide, appreciated for its vibrant colors, ease of cultivation, and unique blooming habits. Its historical and cultural significance adds another layer of intrigue to this fascinating genus.

My Personal Connection

As an avid gardener and nature enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the unique beauty and resilience of Mirabilis. The vibrant colors and unusual blooming time of these plants bring a touch of magic to my garden. I’m particularly fond of Mirabilis jalapa, with its diverse range of flower colors and its ability to attract a variety of pollinators.

I’m also intrigued by the scientific aspects of Mirabilis, particularly the genetic mechanisms behind its color variation. It’s a reminder of the complex and fascinating processes that occur within even the seemingly simplest of organisms.

Looking Ahead

My fascination with Mirabilis has inspired me to learn more about this captivating genus. I plan to delve deeper into its taxonomy, explore the various species in greater detail, and perhaps even experiment with cultivating some of the lesser-known varieties. I believe there’s much more to discover about these fascinating plants, and I’m eager to continue my exploration.

I encourage anyone with an interest in botany or gardening to take a closer look at Mirabilis. These unique and beautiful plants offer a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world and are sure to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity.

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