Large-flowered evening-primrose

Description

Oenothera glazioviana is a species of evening primrose that belongs to the family Onagraceae. It is commonly known as Large-flowered Evening Primrose or Pink Evening Primrose due to its large pink flowers that bloom at night. In this article, we will delve deeper into the taxonomy, morphology, distribution, and cultivation of Oenothera glazioviana. Taxonomy The scientific name of Large-flowered Evening Primrose is Oenothera glazioviana Micheli. It was named after Augusto Glaziou, a French botanist who collected plant specimens in Brazil. Oenothera glazioviana is a member of the genus Oenothera, which consists of about 145 species of flowering plants. The genus name Oenothera comes from the Greek words “oinos” (wine) and “thera” (huntress), which means “wine-scented” or “fragrant in the evening”. Morphology Oenothera glazioviana is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 120 cm in height. It has a basal rosette of leaves that are oblong to lanceolate in shape, with toothed margins. The stem is erect, hairy, and often branched. The leaves on the stem are alternate, smaller, and less lobed than the basal leaves. The flowers of Oenothera glazioviana are the most striking feature of this plant. The flowers are large, measuring up to 6 cm in diameter, and have four pink to purple petals. The flowers open at dusk and remain open throughout the night, emitting a sweet fragrance. The stamens and style of the flower extend far beyond the petals, giving it a distinctive look. The flowers are followed by four-chambered seed capsules that contain numerous small seeds. Distribution Oenothera glazioviana is native to South America, specifically Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. In Europe, it is considered an invasive species and is listed as a noxious weed in several countries. In North America, it is grown as an ornamental plant and is occasionally found in the wild. Cultivation Oenothera glazioviana is a hardy plant that is easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH and can tolerate drought conditions once established. It is propagated by seed or by division of the rhizomes in spring or autumn. Large-flowered Evening Primrose is often grown for its ornamental value, as the large pink flowers are a showstopper in any garden. It is also used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. In conclusion, Oenothera glazioviana is a beautiful and fascinating plant that is worth considering for any garden. Its large pink flowers, sweet fragrance, and easy cultivation make it a popular choice for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. However, it is important to note that in some regions, it is considered an invasive species and should be planted with caution.