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Mirabilis multiflora (Torr.) A. Gray

Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassMagnoliopsidaDicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
SubclassCaryophyllidaeCacti, many other succulents, carnivorous plants, and leadworts
OrderCaryophyllalesIncludes cacti, carnations, amaranths, ice plants, and many carnivorous plants
FamilyNyctaginaceaePlants with unique fruits (“anthocarps”) and large pollen grains
GenusMirabilisFrom mirari, “to marvel at;” from mirus “wonderful”
SpeciesmultifloraMany-flowered

About plant names...

This tough perennial sinks deep roots—once established, it is very resistant to drought. It is native to the American southwest.

Plants: This low, bushy species forks into many branches, forming leafy clumps up to 18" (45 cm) high and 3' (91 cm) wide.

Leaves: Cordate, dark grayish green, shiny, often pointed, with very fine hairs. They are on short petioles. (There may be two varieties that are slightly different.)

Flowers: Very attractive flowers are funnel-shaped, magenta, 1-3" (2.5-7.6 cm) long and about 1" (2.5 cm) around. The appear at leaf axils and in clumps at the ends of stems, appearing from Apr-Sep, especially after rain. Four o’clocks are so-named because they bloom in the late afternoon.

Fruits: Fruits are a small, dark seed covered with knobby or wartlike protuberances, and may feel slimy or sticky when wet.

Online References:

Wildflowers, Ferns & Trees of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah

DesertUSA: Exploring the Southwest

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

4/29/2018 · Willow Spring Picnic Area, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
≈ 7 × 4½" (18 × 12 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

8/29/2014 · Hike up ? trail, New Mex­ico
≈ 11 × 7" (28 × 18 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

4/29/2018 · Sandstone Quarry, Scenic Loop Road, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
≈ 19 × 12" (48 × 30 cm)

 

Mirabilis multiflora description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 7 Oct 2021.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.


  

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

8/29/2014 · Hike up ? trail, New Mex­ico
≈ 12 × 8" (31 × 21 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

8/26/2014 · Sandstone Bluffs, El Malpais National Monument, New Mex­ico
≈ 19 × 12" (47 × 31 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

8/29/2014 · Hike up ? trail, New Mex­ico
≈ 11 × 7" (28 × 18 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

4/29/2018 · Willow Spring Picnic Area, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
≈ 8 × 5" (20 × 13 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

8/26/2014 · Sandstone Bluffs, El Malpais National Monument, New Mex­ico
≈ 9 × 8" (23 × 21 cm)

Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o’clock, showy four o’clock)

8/29/2014 · Hike up ? trail, New Mex­ico
≈ 9 × 7" (23 × 16 cm)

Range:

About this map...