Mirabilis multiflora
| Mirabilis multiflora | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Mirabilis multiflora (common name: four o'clock plant)
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[1].
Division in spring as the plant comes into growth[2].
Cultivation: Requires a fertile well-drained soil in full sun or part-day shade[2].
Plants flower in their first year from seed and, although they are not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when in a suitable situation[3], they can either be grown as half-hardy annuals or the tubers can be harvested in the autumn and stored overwinter in a cool frost-free place in much the same manner as dahlias[2].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[4].
Range: Southern N. America - Texas to Colorado and Utah.
Habitat: Hillsides and mesas, often amongst rocks and shrubs[5].
Edibility: The dried root can be ground into a powder, mixed with cereal flours and used to make a bread[6]. This bread is eaten to reduce the appetite[6].
Medicinal: The root is used in the treatment of stomach complaints[5]. A pinch of the powdered root is said to relieve hunger[7], it can also be used after overeating to relieve the discomfort[6]. A poultice of the powdered root can be applied to swellings[6].
Large quantities of the root are said to cause intoxication[5]. The root was chewed by native North American Medicine men to induce visions whilst making a diagnosis[6].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Popenoe, Hugh. Lost Crops of the Incas. National Academy Press, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Emboden, William. Narcotic Plants. Studio Vista, 1979.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Coffey, Timothy. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File, 1993.