sweet four o'clock
Mirabilis longiflora L.
Mirabilis longiflora L., a member of the Nyctaginaceae family, is a flowering plant native to regions including the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Commonly known as sweet four o'clock, it is characterized by its flowers that open in the late afternoon and remain open through the night. The species was first published in 1755 and is distributed across several countries and regions, including Italy, France, Slovakia, Sicily, India, Taiwan, Arizona, Guatemala, and various parts of Mexico.
Description
Mirabilis longiflora is a species within the genus Mirabilis, part of the Nyctaginaceae family. It is found in a range spanning from the southwestern United States, such as Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, to northern Mexico and other locations like Italy, France, and parts of Asia. The plant is known for its nocturnal blooming pattern, with flowers opening in the late afternoon. Typification of related species, such as Mirabilis wrightiana, has been discussed in botanical literature, with efforts to clarify the original material and designate lectotypes. However, some typification efforts remain unresolved due to lack of published confirmation.
Other common names
sweet four o'clock
Distribution
IT · FR · Slovakia · Sicilia · IN · TW · Arizona · Guatemala · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Northwest · Mexico Southwest · New Mexico · Texas
Synonyms
Nyctago longifloraMirabilis longiflora var. wrightianaJalapa longiflora
