<h1>Marvel of Peru, Mirabilis jalapa, and Four O'clock Flower</h1>

The Marvel of Peru, also known as Mirabilis jalapa, is a unique and beautiful plant. It's known for its colorful and fragrant flowers that bloom in the evening and close in the morning. This plant is native to tropical South America, but it has been cultivated in various parts of the world for its ornamental value.

The flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, pink, and white, sometimes even with multiple colors on the same plant. The leaves are broad and heart-shaped, adding to its lush appearance. The Marvel of Peru is a perennial in warm climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler regions. It's a popular choice for gardens due to its easy care and vibrant display of colors.

Four O'clock Flower

The "Four O'Clock Flower," scientifically known as Mirabilis jalapa, is the same plant as the Marvel of Peru. It's a popular ornamental plant known for its unique flowering habit: its flowers typically open in the late afternoon (around 4 PM, hence the name) and close the next morning. This timing is an adaptation to attract night-pollinating insects.

The flowers of the Four O'Clock plant are trumpet-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, red, and white. Some flowers can even be bi-colored or multicolored. The leaves are dark green, oval to heart-shaped, and arranged oppositely on the stems.

This plant is a perennial in warmer climates but is often grown as an annual in cooler regions. It's valued in gardens for its fragrant, colorful flowers and the fact that it blooms prolifically from summer until the first frost. The seeds of the Four O'Clock plant are black, round, and slightly wrinkled, resembling small peppercorns.

One interesting aspect of the Four O'Clock flower is that it can have different colored flowers on the same plant, or even flowers that change color as they mature. This, combined with its evening bloom time, makes it a delightful and somewhat mysterious addition to any garden.

Characteristics of Mirabilis jalapa include:

--Flowers: The most striking feature is its colorful flowers. They come in various shades, including yellow, pink, red, and white. Some flowers can even have multiple colors or patterns on the same bloom, creating a vibrant display.

--Fragrance: These flowers emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening when they are fully open.

--Leaves: The leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and of a deep green color, providing a lush background for the bright flowers.

--Growth Habit: It's a perennial plant in warm climates but often grown as an annual in cooler regions. The plant can reach up to 2-3 feet in height.

--Seed Pods: After flowering, the plant produces small, black seeds in round pods. These seeds are known for their ability to remain viable for many years.