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Uses

Toxic parts

The seeds and the rots are reported to cause digestive disturbances[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Tender young leaves - cooked as a vegetable[2][3][4]. An emergency food, only eaten when all else fails[5].

An edible crimson dye is obtained from the flowers[6][7][2][5]. It is used for colouring cakes and jellies[3].

The seed is crushed and used as a pepper substitute[2][5][3].

Unknown part

Leaves

Material uses

The powdered seed is used as a cosmetic[6][7].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is aphrodisiac, diuretic and purgative. It is used in the treatment of dropsy[6][7][8][9][10]. A paste of the root is applied as a poultice to treat scabies and muscular swellings[4]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, indigestion and fevers[4]. The powdered root, mixed with corn flour (Zea mays) is baked and used in the treatment of menstrual disorders[4]. The leaves are diuretic[4]. They are used to reduce inflammation[10]. A decoction of them is used to treat abscesses[9]. The leaf juice is used to treat wounds[9].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed remains viable for several years[11]. Division in spring as the plant comes into growth[12].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Mirabilis jalapa. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in almost any ordinary garden soil[13]. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil in full sun or part day shade[12].

This species is not very hardy in Britain. The top growth is cut back by frost but the tuber survives the winter outdoors if the temperature does not fall much below -5°c, a good mulch would be beneficial[12]. Tubers can be lifted and stored over winter in a cool frost free place in the same way that dahlia tubers are stored[13][12]. The marvel of Peru is usually grown as a half-hardy annual in temperate zones, it flowers freely in its first year[12]. Plants also self-sow freely in warmer areas (these seedlings can be easily transplanted) and they can become a weed in such situations due to their deep rooting habit[12]. This species was cultivated as a medicinal plant by the Aztecs prior to the Spanish conqust[1]. The flowers are sweetly scented and do not open until the afternoon[14]. The young growth is particularly susceptible to aphis infestation[12].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[14].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Mirabilis jalapa. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Mirabilis jalapa.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Mirabilis jalapa
Genus
Mirabilis
Family
Nyctaginaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Mirabilis jalapa2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mirabilis jalapa2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Mirabilis jalapa2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Mirabilis jalapa2.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.6 Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-527-6 (2002-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.5 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria. ()
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    11. ? Popenoe. H. et al Lost Crops of the Incas National Academy Press ISBN 0-309-04264-X (1990-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.512.612.7 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)

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