"Chinese Four O'Clocks"

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I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about this plant. I received a query about the true identity of "Chinese Four O'clocks." The writer was given seed by a Chinese exchange student who said they are a favorite flower "in her part of China." They are now growing in Templeton, CA (which is near Atascadero) and have also been observed in a vacant lot in Morro Bay.

 

They are up to 6 feet tall, and look like four o'clocks but bloom "just the opposite of four o'clocks. They bloom all day and close at about four in the afternoon." They have a large black "tuber."  They have no noticeable smell, and have "white, magenta, white/magenta or yellow/magenta flowers.

 

I have been sent two jpeg photos, which are not close enough to see much detail, but I will forward them on request.

 

Now this sounds a lot like plain old four o'clock, Mirabilis jalapa, to me, except for the daytime opening and afternoon closing business. Does anyone know anything about this plant?

 

Pam Peirce

San Francisco