marvel-of-peru
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A common garden plant: Marvel-of-peru is a flowering plant native to tropical America but widely cultivated in gardens. It is known for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the late afternoon or evening. 2. Botanical characteristics: The plant (Mirabilis jalapa) has a tuberous root and produces flowers in a variety of colors, including red, purple, yellow, and white, often on the same plant. Its name refers to the surprising timing of its bloom.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The marvel-of-peru in our garden fills the air with a sweet scent every evening.
- She planted marvel-of-peru seeds because she wanted flowers that bloom at night.
- A single marvel-of-peru plant can produce flowers of different colors.
Advanced Usage
- As a subject of botanical interest: The plant is often discussed in contexts related to horticulture, plant biology, and evening-blooming gardens.
- The marvel-of-peru is a classic example of a plant with a circadian rhythm governing its flowering time.
Variants and Related Words
- Four-o'clock: The most common alternative name for the marvel-of-peru, directly referencing the time its flowers typically open.
- Mirabilis jalapa: The scientific (Latin) name for the plant.
- Beauty-of-the-night: Another poetic common name for the same plant.
Synonyms
- Four-o'clock (n): The primary synonym, emphasizing the plant's characteristic blooming time.
- Evening primrose (n, ): While also an evening-blooming flower, this refers to a different genus (). It is a contextual synonym in discussions about nocturnal blooms but not a true botanical synonym.
Related Phrases & Terms
- Night-blooming flower: A descriptive phrase that categorizes the marvel-of-peru.
- The garden was designed with night-blooming flowers like the marvel-of-peru and moonflower.
- Fragrant evening bloomer: A descriptive term highlighting its scent and flowering schedule.
Noun
- common garden plant of North America having fragrant red or purple or yellow or white flowers that open in late afternoon