Fatally fragrant four o’clock
By Richard Cretcher 

Maravilla, a wonder or marvel according to its Mexican common name, has the botanical name Mirabilis jalapa. In Latin, mirabilis means wonderful and Jalapa is the capital of the state of Veracruz. This hardy plant blooms here most of the season.

Its very fragrant flower attracts hummingbirds and moths, although all parts of the plant are considered poisonous to humans. The English common name is four o’clock, because it often blooms in late afternoon. In China it is called the “rice boiling flower,” because of the time it blooms. In fact, it is not the time of day that opens the flower, but the drop in temperature. The flowers usually close in the morning except on dull cloudy days. Four o’clocks self-seed as annuals and also produce large deep-rooted tubers that in warmer climates spread and break into life again the following season. The flowers are used in making dyes.

Often overlooked and under foot is the tiny heirba de la vibora (herb of the snake). The bloom is between ½ and ¾ of an inch in diameter. A closer look reveals a pleasing orange color and unique butterfly-like design. The English name zornia comes from the botanical name Zornia thymifolia. Among many medicinal uses is relief of feverish chills—(M)the plant is pounded in water, creating a lather which is mixed with butter, then spread on the body. For those who look carefully, this oddly named little flower will delight the eye and heart directly—no need to mix with butter. 

Other wildflowers blooming now include zacate de toche, estrellita, cielitos and manto.

Richard Cretcher has published the wildflower pocket guide Flores Silvestres that is available at the Biblioteca tienda, El Charco, El Tecolote, Border Crossings, La Conexión and Terra.