Marvel-of-Peru Flower
Marvel-of-Peru – The Flower of Many Wonders
The Marvel-of-Peru, also known as the Four O’Clock Flower, is a fascinating ornamental plant admired for its beauty, fragrance, and unique flowering habits. Native to tropical South America, particularly Peru, it has spread across the world as a beloved garden flower. Its enchanting blooms, vibrant colors, and intriguing biology have made it a plant of cultural, medicinal, and horticultural significance.
Appearance and Growth
The Marvel-of-Peru is a perennial herbaceous plant, often grown as an annual in cooler climates. It typically grows up to 2–3 feet tall, with bushy branches covered in lush, bright green, ovate leaves. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and warm conditions, making it popular in tropical and subtropical gardens.
The real charm lies in its flowers: they open in the late afternoon, usually around 4 o’clock, and remain open until the following morning. Their timing aligns with moths, which serve as their primary pollinators. The blooms also emit a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance during the evening, adding to their allure.
Flowers of Many Colors
One of the most striking features of the Marvel-of-Peru is its ability to produce flowers of different colors on the same plant. A single plant may have red, pink, yellow, white, or magenta flowers — sometimes even two or three colors blended in one bloom. Some petals are streaked or speckled with different shades, creating a natural tie-dye effect.
This remarkable variation is due to the plant’s complex genetic makeup, where flower color is determined by incomplete dominance. Gardeners often marvel at this natural artistry, making Mirabilis jalapa a favorite ornamental in home gardens.
Reproduction and Seeds
The plant produces small, black, rounded fruits that resemble peppercorns. These seeds are easy to collect and replant, allowing gardeners to propagate the plant without difficulty. However, Marvel-of-Peru also grows from tuberous roots, which store energy and help the plant survive dry or unfavorable conditions.
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
