Mirabilis jalapa, also known as the four o'clock flower, is a plant species significant in biology due to its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
Botanical Characteristics
Mirabilis jalapa is a plant with distinctive characteristics:
- It is a widely cultivated ornamental plant in tropical and warm temperate regions.
- It also has great medicinal properties.
- The plant typically reaches a height of 30 to 70 cm.
- It features thick branches and fleshy, swollen nodes.
- The useful parts of the plant are the seeds, leaves, and roots.
Cultivation and Distribution
The cultivation of Mirabilis jalapa is widespread:
- It thrives in tropical regions.
- It also does well in warm temperate areas around the world.
Uses
Mirabilis jalapa is valued for both its aesthetic appeal and medicinal uses:
- Ornamental Plant: Widely grown for its colorful and fragrant flowers.
- Medicinal Properties: Various parts of the plant (seeds, leaves, and roots) are used in traditional medicine.
