The family contains one food crop, the mauka (Mirabilis extensa), a root vegetable of minor local importance in the Andes. Garden Four-O'Clocks Mirabilis jalapa species are grown as ornamental plants, as are species of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra, B. spectabilis, and numerous hybrids), Bougainvillea and Abronia are commonly cultivated in warmer regions.

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Colorado Four-o'clock, Desert Four-o'clock, Manyflowered Four-o'clock
  • Synonyms: Oxybaphus multiflorus, Quamoclidion multiflorum
  • Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O'clock)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: sprawling
  • Size: 31 in (80 cm)
  • Stem: hairy

Leaves

  • Color: blue-green
  • Shape: cordate
  • Edge: hairy
  • Arrangement: opposite
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex:
  • Flower Color: violet
  • Flower Size: 1.6-2.4 in (4-6 cm)
  • Number of Petals: many
  • Bloom: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT
  • Fruit: dark seeds

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: partly shade
  • Soil: dry, rocky
  • Habitat: low desert flats to chaparral and ponderosa pine forests, and often among rocks and shrubs

Distribution

  • Distribution: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
  • Seen: Oak Creek Canyon, LV
  • Elevation: 2500-6500' (900-2000 m)

Photographs

Colorado Four-o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Red Rock Canyon

Colorado Four-o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Red Rock Canyon

Colorado Four-o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Red Rock Canyon

Colorado Four-o'clock (Mirabilis multiflora)

Red Rock Canyon