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What is a Giant Four O’Clock (Mirabilis froebelii)

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Desert Plants » What is a Giant Four O’Clock (Mirabilis froebelii)

What is a Giant Four O'Clock

What is a Giant Four O’Clock

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Giant Four O’Clock – Mirabilis froebelii

COMMUNITY

Creosote Bush Scrub to Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Arroyo Woodland

BLOOMS

March to November

HABITAT

Open stony areas and washes

ELEVATION

1200 to 6800 ft (400 to 2200 m)

TYPE OF SOIL

Coarse sand, gravel

SOURCE OF WATER

Surface in washes and arroyos

HEIGHT

12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm)

POLLINATION

Insects, wind

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Sweet-scented flowers open early evening and night, attracting Sphinx moth, its primary pollinator.

Flowers close during day.

COMMENTS

Perennial; flowers often grow in clumps several feet (1 to 3 m) across.

What is a Giant Four O’Clock