Night Flowering Jasmine ( Nyctanthes arbor-tristis ) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to south and south east Asia. This species is highly valued in the Hindu religion and its beautifully scented flowers are offered in prayers. The flowers are short-live only opening as the sun begins to set; and falling to the ground as the sun begins to rise again. They are collected from the ground to use for prayers which is not a common practice; as other flowers are considered unfit for prayer once they touched the ground.
The Nyctanthes arbor-tristis can flower profusely and have a strong, sweet smell that is used to make perfume. Placing the fallen blooms around the home, will leave a lovely fragrance throughout. The Night Flowering Jasmine has many common names including Parijat; Coral Jasmine; The Indian Lover’s Tree; Shewali; Tree of Sorrow; Shefali and Har Singa.
Suitable for Warm Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Growth
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis can grow to approximately 5-8 metres, with a similar width. They can become wider and taller with age but this can also depend on pruning and care. The bark is a grey to light brown colour. Its leaves have serrated edges and are bright green while young; developing into a darker green.
Flowers are in bloom in Autumn and Winter. They are white with an orange centre; sweetly scented. Seed pods are circular to heart shaped with an indented top where they join to the stem. Harvesting for seeds should not be done until the pods have matured to brown and are dry looking.
Night Flowering Jasmine are still quite rare outside of their native lands. This species is not particularly fussy about its soil type; as long as it is well draining. Once established they are reasonably drought tolerant. This species grows naturally in humid Sub-Tropical to Tropical climates, but will cope in Warm Temperate regions; as long as they are well established and are protected from cold winds and frost during colder months. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis will cope with brief, very light frosts.
FAMILY:
Oleaceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
2°C to 35°C / 35 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining, sandy loam.
LOCATION:
Full sun preferred, will grow in part shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous, Shrub-Small Tree
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Moths, Bisexual
MATURITY:
18-36 months
GERMINATION RATES:
65-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-3 weeks, dependent on conditions
SEEDS PER GRAM:
2-3
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Unknown
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage – 4°C (Fridge). 1-2 years
FACTS ABOUT NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS (Night Flowering Jasmine)
This species is also called the Tree of Sorrow; this is apparently because it does not flower during the daytime.
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is used in traditional medicine to treat sciatica, arthritis, fevers & constipation. It is said to have many medicinal benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, immune stimulating and anti-protozoan properties.
The Night Flowering Jasmine features in many Hindu religious stories and is the official flower of West Bengal, India.
