Tag: Four o clock

While some historical accounts and traditional uses exist, the common ornamental *Mirabilis* species, particularly *Mirabilis jalapa*, is widely considered toxic. This raises a critical question for many gardeners and foragers: is *Mirabilis* edible, or is it a hidden danger? The answer lies in species identification and understanding the specific parts of the plant.

Mirabilis jalapa, also known as the Four O'Clock flower, contains betaxanthins in its flowers, which can be extracted to create an edible crimson dye. However, assessing if the Mirabilis flower is edible requires a careful approach because other parts of the plant are known to be toxic.