scarlet four o'clock
Mirabilis coccinea (Torr.) Benth. & Hook.f.
Mirabilis coccinea (Torr.) Benth. & Hook.f., known as scarlet four o'clock, is a wildflower in the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and parts of northwestern Mexico. The plant reaches up to two feet in height and produces deep red flowers that open at night. It typically grows in washes, plains, and rocky slopes.
Description
Mirabilis coccinea is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family and was first described in 1880. The species was originally published as Oxybaphus coccineus by Torrey in 1859, with a lectotype designated from a specimen collected by Wright in 1844 and deposited at the US herbarium. The name Mirabilis coccinea is now used for this species, which is recognized by its nocturnal blooming habit and red flowers. It is commonly found in arid environments across its native range.
Other common names
scarlet four-o'clockscarlet four o'clock
Distribution
Arizona · California · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Northwest · New Mexico
