Burrowing Four O’Clock
(Okenia hypogaea)
Burrowing Four O’Clock (Okenia hypogaea)
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Manuel Campos
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Manuel Campos
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Manuel Campos | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Manuel Campos | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-07-11T08:39:32-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Okenia hypogaea, commonly known as Burrowing Four O’Clock, is an annual herb that is native to arid and semi-arid regions of Central America and Northern South America, where it thrives in open, sunny areas with well-drained soils. It is a low-growing plant, typically reaching a height of 0.2-0.5 feet (0.06-0.15 meters) and spreading 0.5-2 feet (0.15-0.6 meters) wide. The plant has a sprawling habit and produces small, tubular purple flowers that bloom profusely in the spring, summer, and fall, adding a splash of color to the garden landscape.
Burrowing Four O’Clock is valued for its drought tolerance and long flowering season, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in borders and as a ground cover in areas with dry conditions. This plant is well-suited to cultivation in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, which should be considered when planting in small spaces or near natural areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Burrowing Four O’Clock is valued for its drought tolerance and long flowering season, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in borders and as a ground cover in areas with dry conditions. This plant is well-suited to cultivation in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, which should be considered when planting in small spaces or near natural areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.2-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of Central America and Northern South America
Other Names
Common Names: Beach Peanut, Dune-Groundnut
Scientific Names: , Okenia hypogaea, Okenia parviflora, Okenia grandiflora, Okenia rosei,
GBIF Accepted Name: Okenia hypogaea Schltdl. & Cham.