NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS
Lovers Tree

A hard to find, very popular shrub or small tree native to India, Southern Asia, Thailand, etc. It is the official flower of India, the state of West Bengal, and Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. The sweetly scented flowers are small and pretty, opening at night and then drop off one by one by sunrise making a carpet of flowers. In our opinion, the flowers smell like honey which is very nice, but this plant is more known for its important place in Hindu mythology and the romantic story behind it! This plant has many common names like Indian Night Jasmine and the scientific name arbor-tristis also means "Sad Tree." We have heard that the flowers can be used for flower leis and garlands and also that the flowers have been used as a source of yellow dye for clothing. Leaves on the Sad Tree are rough like sandpaper. You can grow the plant in a pot, but it is ideal if planted in the ground. It is a tropical plant and freezing temperatures should be avoided.

FAMILY : not a 100% sure, possibly Oleaceae
ORIGIN : India, see above for more
TYPE/USES : shrub, small tree
SIZE : 6'- 8' with trimming
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full / partial sun
WATER REQUIREMENTS : average
MIN. TEMP. : keep above 40°F
FLOWER : honey fragrance, Oct to May