Midday Flower

The midday flower is an annual herb of the mallow family growing up to about two metres, with long, spreading branches and narrow toothed leaves. Its bright scarlet flowers open around noon and close by the next morning, which gives the plant its common name. It is found in India and Southeast Asia and is sometimes grown in gardens.

Known in Sanskrit literature as Bandhujiva, its red flower appears often in classical poetry. The flower has traditionally been used in simple external preparations for skin care in folk practice.