Mirabilis jalapa

Μιράμπιλις τζαλάπα

Etymology of Mirabilis jalapa: The name of the genus, "Mirabilis", was given by Carl Von Linne in 1753, and it is formed from the scientific Latin "mirabilis" meaning "admirable" by allusion to the remarkable colors of its flowers. The specific name "jalapa" refers to its origin in the Jalapa in Guatemala.

Mirabilis jalapa is the one and only species/kind growing in the Cypriot habitat. It is actually a naturalized but non-invasive species.

It is normally a garden plant but it easily grows outside of the gardens within communities, in places including cracks on the walls, pavements etc. It is primarily encountered in the Limassol district and appears in villages such as Lofou and Pera Pedi, up to an altitude of at least 775 metres. Its flowering period is between May and December. Its flowers appear in many colors and shades including yellow, fuchsia, and purple.