| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Caryophyllids
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Family Common Name: Four O' Clock Family
Genera: Mirabilis |
Defining Features: Since the
flowers of some genera open in the late afternoon, they are given the common
name, 'the four 'o clock'.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are actinomorphic (rarely zygomorphic) and bisexual or
unisexual. Small to medium Inflorescences are determinate and flowers borne
on cymes or head-like with a colorful involucre. Sepals are petal-like
(petaloid) and tubular, petals are lacking. Bracts are present. Ovaries
are superior with basal placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon.
Fruit is often drupaceous or an achene which often enclosed by the calyx.
Seed are often with curved embryo. In some species endosperm is lacking
and it is replaced by perisperm. Vegetative Features: Habit as herbs, shrubs,
lianas or trees. Leaves simple, often opposite with swollen nodes. Stipules
are lacking.
Distribution: Tropical to
warm temperate regions.
Economic Use: As cultivated
garden and indoor ornamentals, especially Bougainvillea and Mirabilis.
Number of Genera Globally:
31
Number of Species Globally:
350
