Marvel of Peru in Ecuador

It feels very natural to transpose my wondering, my observations, and the attention to the home surroundings which attract my eyes, ears, and often subsequently compel me to capture these through a lens at hand, onto the places I visit far from home, or from what has been common, onto what is culturally out of place, or seems naturally out of place. Thus, I find myself, almost compulsorily, aiming for flowers, known, and unknown, partly because in their very essence they are intentionally and naturally attractive, and also in part because the differing of their surroundings add to their exposure, or change the context in which they are perceived. In other words, the lily in Manhattan can not be the lily in Quito. Not to the naked eye, not to the contextually differing one.

This flower grows from the mirabilis jalapa Linnaeus plant, known to some as the Marvel of Peru, to others as the four o’clock flower, or the false jalap.

The flowers typically open late afternoon, or at dusk, when they share their strong scent, before closing again in the morning.

It is said that the Aztecs already used them as medicine, and for decorative purposes.

Is there anything at all unable to provide health?