Definition

Noun: 1. A wildflower species: A perennial wildflower (Mirabilis multiflora) known for its vibrant, deep pink, tubular flowers that bloom in the late afternoon and evening. It is native to arid regions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Colorado four o'clock is well-adapted to survive in dry, sandy soils.
  • We spotted several Colorado four o'clocks blooming near the canyon trail as the sun began to set.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical context: The name "four o'clock" refers to the time of day many plants in the genus typically open their flowers. The "Colorado" designation indicates a primary region within its distribution.
  • The Colorado four o'clock, unlike its cultivated relatives, is a true desert survivor.

Variants and Related Words

• Desert four o'clock: A common alternative name for the same plant species.
• Mirabilis multiflora: The scientific botanical name for the Colorado four o'clock.

Synonyms

• Wildflower: A general term for a flowering plant that grows in the wild without cultivation.
• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years, which describes the life cycle of the Colorado four o'clock.

Related Phrases

• To bloom in the evening: A descriptive phrase for its flowering habit.
  • Few plants, like the Colorado four o'clock, are adapted to bloom in the evening.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. wildflower having vibrant deep pink tubular evening-blooming flowers; found in sandy and desert areas from southern California to southern Colorado and into Mexico