Mirabilis jalapa
Four o'clock flower
Mirabilis jalapica, commonly known as Jalap, is a perennial climbing plant native to Mexico. Renowned in traditional medicine, its tuberous roots contain potent purgative alkaloids. Historically valued for treating digestive ailments and skin conditions, this botanical specimen remains a significant subject of study in ethnopharmacology and natural therapeutics.
- Scientific name: Mirabilis jalapa
- Family: Nyctaginaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Nyctaeginaceae. Finally, its taxonomic designation is completed by its placement in the genus Mirabilis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mirabilis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Mirabilis jalapa, is recognized by a variety of evocative common names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is known as the Wunderblume, while in Bengali, it is called সন্ধ্যামালতী. In Catalan, the plant is referred to as Flor de nit, and in Basque, it carries the name Gau-lore. Additionally, in Finnish, it is affectionately called mökinihmekukka.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Wunderblume | Wikidata |
| bn | সন্ধ্যামালতী | Wikidata |
| ca | Flor de nit | Wikidata |
| eu | Gau-lore | Wikidata |
| fi | mökinihmekukka | Wikidata |
| hsb | Wšědna dźiwnička | Wikidata |
| ht | Zèb katre | Wikidata |
| hu | nagy csodatölcsér | Wikidata |
| id | bunga pukul empat | Wikidata |
| ja | オシロイバナ | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be observed in Great Britain and Sweden. Moving toward the center of the continent, its distribution extends into Middle Europe. Specifically, it is found within the borders of Germany and Austria. Finally, its geographical reach also encompasses the region of Czechia-Slovakia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Mirabilis jalapa, is a versatile medicinal herb where various structures contribute to its therapeutic profile. The vibrant flowers, which often display striking color transitions, are a notable feature of its reproductive system. The sturdy stems support the plant's growth and serve as the primary conduit for nutrients. Below the surface, the extensive roots anchor the organism and facilitate water absorption. Within these underground structures, specialized root tissues are responsible for essential metabolic processes and the storage of bioactive compounds. Ultimately, the entire root system is frequently utilized in traditional medicine for its healing properties.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flowers | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root tissues | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| petioles | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Mirabilis jalapa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include beta-sitosterol.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| beta-sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mirabilis jalapa has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antispasmodic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mirabilis jalapa has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diarrhea, dysentery, wounds.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |