386 Nyctaginacee—A bronia. 
1. A, umbellata.—A trailing annual plant with oblong or 
oval entire leaves on long petioles, and small pedunculate 
heads of sessile rosy-pink flowers. A native of California. 
2. A. arenaria.—An herbaceous perennial with cordate or 
orbicular entire viscous leaves and capitate yellowish brown 
flowers. Also from California. 
2. MIRABILIS. 
Showy tuberous-rooted perennials with jointed stems, oppo- 
site simple leaves and showy flowers clustered towards the 
extremities of the branches. Perianth tubular or funnel-shaped. 
Stamens 5, cohering at the base in a ring, equalling or exceed- 
ing the perianth. About half a dozen species are known, natives 
of Central America and the West Indies. The name mirabilis, 
wondertul, was probably given to this genus because the Jalap 
of commerce was believed to be the product of MZ. Jalapa. 
Fig. 207. Mirabilis Jalapa, (4 nat. size.) 
1, M. Jalapa (fig. 207). Marvel of Peru.---This familiar 
plant is treated as an annual. There are numerous varieties 
with white, yellow, crimson, or scarlet flowers, and others 
