The Four'o clock plant (Mirabilis Jalapa) or the Marvel of Peru is a self propagating flowering plant. The seed in the third photo drops to the ground and sprouts after a gestational time. It was probably the bird dropping that brought this plant to our garden. It spreads by its seeds sporting to generate new plants. The flowers open later in the day, which is why it is called as the Four'o clock plant. The fragrant, trumpet-shaped flower stays open till the next morning!
What is special about this small plant is its resilience. Whether in summer, winter or heavy monsoon, this plant would have its blossoms. The plant has medicinal value and is used in home remedies by native population. The plant can be toxic if consumed in large quantity.
It is an ornamental plant and perpetuates itself!
What caught my attention is its rhythm. A flower that opens nearer the sunset and stays open through the night!
The 'evening years' of our lives are significant. The senior citizens sometimes downplay the significance and role they have for themselves and for others.
Dr William Cutting, who published books on movements and exercises which are popular among senior citizens in the United Kingdom, wrote them when he was in his seventies. Although he and his wife had health constraints and needed medical attention, Dr cutting continued his mission to engage the senior citizens to encourage movements as a means of staying fit. In a conversation, I discovered that he valued the evening years of his life and wanted to share his thoughts and insights widely. The videos based on his model of body exercises are watched by many to practice movements in a self regulated manner.
Each of us has something to offer to encourage others. When we grow older we become even more wise to propose to live wisely by following simple steps towards wellness!
The Cutting Movement Assessment Scale (CMAS) that he proposed, is used in sports medicine for injury prevention. His suggestions offered better care of the Anterior Cruciate ligament to protect the knees.
I remember another significant contribution he made when he was younger in his profession as a Paediatrician. He advocated the use of Zinc to protect children form infection.
A plant perpetuates itself in a garden.
A wise senior citizen brought years of his experience to benefit younger people and senior citizens !
I feel encouraged to turn each day to live well remembering others! That is one way of making the evening years fruitful for others!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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