Marvel of Peru
Belles de Nuit - genus Mirabilis - are plants in the Nyctaginaceae family. There are several dozen species of herbaceous plants in this genus, mainly on the American continent. The best known are Mirabilis jalapa - or Belle de nuit - and Mirabilis longiflora. Mirabilis sometimes have tuberous roots, enabling them to withstand the cold seasons. The flowers are small, trumpet-shaped and often fragrant. Although Mirabilis are mainly used as ornamental plants, Mirabilis expansa is an exception, as it is also grown for food.