| Mirabilis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Mirabilis jalapa | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Nyctaginaceae |
| Tribe: | Nyctagineae |
| Genus: | Mirabilis L.[1] |
| Species | |
|
About 60; see text. | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Allioniella Rydb. | |
Mirabilis is a genus of plants in the family Nyctaginaceae known as the four-o'clocks or umbrellaworts.[2] The best known species may be Mirabilis jalapa, the plant most commonly called four o'clock.
There are several dozen species in the genus, of herbaceous plants, mostly found in the Americas. Some form tuberous roots that enable them to perennate through dry and cool seasons. They have small, often fragrant, deep-throated flowers.
Although best known as ornamental plants, at least one species, mauka (M. expansa), is grown for food.
