Nyctaginaceae
Distribution of Nyctaginaceae:
Nyctaginaceae or Four O’clock family includes 30 genera and 300 species according to Rendle. It is widely distributed in tropical and temperate America and warmer parts of the world. They are called four o’clock because of the fact that flowers in certain members of the group (Mirabilis) open in greatest numbers in late afternoon.
Economic Importance of Nyctaginaceae:
- Medicinal:
Boerhaavia diffusa’s root is laxative and also used in asthma, anemia, jaundice. It is an antidote to snake venom, B. repens is diuretic. The roots of Mirabilis jalapa are purgative. The leaves lessen inflammation and are applied to boils.
- Ornamental:
Mirabilis jalapa, Bougainvillea, Abronia. Pisonia aculeata is a hedge plant.
Affinities of Nyctaginaceae:
The family is closely allied to Polygonaceae. Bentham and Hooker placed it together with Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae. Nyctaginaceae can be distinguished from Polygonaceae by the nature of its fruit enclosed in the persistent base of the perianth.
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis
