Mirabilis jalapa

• Botanical Name : Mirabilis jalapa L.
• Common Name : Marvel of Peru, Four O'Clock Plant, Gulbaas, False Jalap
• Plant Family : Nyctaginaceae
• Plant Form : Herb
• Occurrence (Sectors) : 5, 27, 28, 30
• Occurrence (Special Areas) : Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, Indroda Park

About Mirabilis jalapa Plant :

• Habit : A much branched herb with large swollen nodes.
• Leaves : Opposite, ovate, acuminate, base cordate, entire.
• Inflorescence : Terminal clusters.
• Flowers :
  • Involucre calyciform, united teeth-5, ovate.
  • Perianth funnel-shaped, red, yellow, white or of various mixed colours, lobes 5-7, twisted, crumpled.
  • Stamens 5, unequal, filaments united at the base.
  • Ovary superior, free, 1-ovuled, enclosed by the lower portion of the perianth, style exserted, stigma peltate.
• Fruit : Achene enclosed by the lower portion of the persistent perianth which forms a false pericarp the whole is termed as anthocarp.
• Flowering and Fruiting Time : Throughout the year.
• Significance :
  • Commonly cultivated in the gardens everywhere for its beautiful flowers.
  • The roots are used as a purgative.