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