When my mom gave me that little stem in June, I wasn't very excited. I didn't know how big it might grow and I had no unoccupied planter space left. I reluctantly planted it on the side of a large planter and started observing it. For several weeks, nothing happened. Except maybe a new green leaf or two. I was getting impatient and asked mom if I had done something wrong. She laughed at me and reminded me that nature had its ways and that I needed to let it take over. Suddenly, and without me having changed any watering or care, the stem grew into a small bush and even invaded the geranium space
I had to research and learn more about this cute bloom that didn't open up until the late afternoon and was already closed by morning time. And the info I read about it was amazing! So here you go:
The Marvel of Peru or Mirabilis Jalapa used to be propagated by the Aztecs for medicinal uses. It was exported from the Peruvian Andes by the mid-16th century. Mirabilis is Latin and means wonderful. Jalapa is just a place name in Central America. This plant loves the sun but can also enjoy some shade. It prefers moist and well-drained soils and needs to be protected from cold, wintery winds. Now for its uses. In traditional Chinese medicine, Mirabilis Jalapa was used to treat constipation, type 2 diabetes, and some injuries. In more "conventional" medicine, the Marvel of Peru is considered anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, diuretic, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and purgative. These are just to name a few treatments. In Ayurveda, this plant is utilized to improve sexual health, heal skin infections, and medicate snake, scorpion, and insect bites. It is claimed that the plant can purify the soil moderately polluted with heavy metals such as cadmium. And some people also have edible uses for it. What a versatile, and ornamental perennial plant!
Are you now considering planting some Mirabilis Jalapa in your garden or even growing it in a planter indoors?
Happy gardening 🌱
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